The Kenya African National Union (KANU) has demanded an independent and transparent investigation into two alleged attempts to abduct Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, saying the latest incident should not be viewed separately from an earlier attempt in June.
KANU Secretary General George Wainaina in a statement on September 2, 2026 said the two incidents raise serious questions over the safety of journalists, media freedom and the rule of law, and called for those behind the alleged attacks to be identified and prosecuted.
“This is not an isolated incident that can be dismissed with the usual assurances and expressions of concern,” Wainaina said.
Kiprotich was reportedly abducted by armed men shortly before 9:20pm on Tuesday as he travelled to Nakuru along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road.
He was later found safe near Masinga Dam, about nine hours after he went missing, with the Standard Group saying he had been dumped at the location after being taken from the road.
The media company said the incident was the second time the editor had been targeted in about two months, bringing renewed attention to an earlier attempt to seize him in June.
On June 27, the Standard Group reported that armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox tried to force Kiprotich out of his vehicle as he drove to work in Nakuru.
Kiprotich managed to escape after locking his car doors and driving away.
KANU said Kiprotich reported the June incident at Menengai Police Station but accused authorities of failing to pursue those responsible.
“In June this year, Mr. Kiprotich survived an attempted abduction and reported the matter at Menengai Police Station. No action was taken whatsoever to find those responsible for the criminality,” Wainaina said.
The Standard Group had also linked the June incident to criticism of the media company by President William Ruto over its coverage days before the alleged attempt.
The company further said its investigations traced the vehicle used in the incident to the National Police Service's Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, although no individual had been held accountable.
KANU said the latest alleged abduction therefore required more than assurances, calling for both incidents to be subjected to independent and transparent investigations.
The Standard Group said the latest incident bore “all the hallmarks of a targeted attack on a journalist for doing his job”.
Wainaina said the two incidents should raise concern over the growing threat of intimidation, unlawful detention and abduction of journalists.
“Indeed, no person should be subjected to arbitrary detention or simply made to disappear. Abduction cannot be an instrument of law enforcement. It is a violation of the law,” Wainaina said.
KANU wants those found responsible for both incidents to face prosecution “to the fullest extent of the law”.
Wainaina said journalists should be able to work without fear or intimidation, arguing that media freedom is protected by the Constitution and should not depend on the goodwill of those in power.
“Media freedom is not a concession from those in power but a constitutional right,” he said.
He added that protecting that freedom was the responsibility of every institution entrusted with public authority.