IG Kanja orders swift probe into Standard editor's abduction

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered swift investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.

Mr Kiprotich was forcibly captured by armed men on Tuesday night on the Nakuru-Gilgil road and released nine hours later near Masinga Dam.

In a statement issued by National Police Service Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the IG condemned the harassment of the editor.

“The Inspector General of Police has accordingly ordered immediate investigations to determine what transpired, including the identity of the heavily armed individuals reportedly seen ordering occupants out of their vehicle. Our Anti-Abduction Unit, specifically established to address abductions and disappearances, is actively investigating and will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Mr Nyaga said.

A video shared by the Standard Group shows masked, armed men trailing and blocking Kiprotich's vehicle before dragging him away.

The video captured a vehicle blocking the road with doors open and lights on as the men dragged him out.

“Nimefanya nini (What have I done),” a voice believed to be Mr Kiprotich is heard asking.

On Wednesday morning, the media house reported that Mr Kiprotich was dumped near Masinga Dam after being held overnight in an abduction that has raised fresh concerns over the safety of journalists in Kenya.

The senior editor was seized shortly before 9.20pm on Monday while travelling to Nakuru, according to a statement by the Standard Group.

His whereabouts remained unknown for hours, triggering calls for his immediate release and raising fears for his safety.

In a statement, Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita said Mr Kiprotich was located by Standard Group team at around 6.30am near Masinga Dam, after being dumped by his captors in the early hours of the morning.

According to Mr Mwita, Mr Kiprotich had sought refuge with a nearby family, who took him in and cared for him; however, he was understandably shaken by his ordeal when they found him.

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