Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure journalists receive adequate security as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking during a funeral service in Elgeyo Marakwet on Thursday, September 3, Murkomen said the protection of journalists should be prioritised, especially when covering political activities, to enable them to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
The CS noted that journalists have continued to play their role of keeping Kenyans informed about developments in the country while also holding the government to account through criticism.
He said such work should not expose members of the fourth estate to intimidation or violence.
"Journalists do a very good job in informing the public as well as criticising the government in a good manner. We will ensure that adequate investigations are done, and those found culpable face the law," Murkomen stated.
"And I want to tell the Inspector General, since we are going into the election period, journalists should be given adequate security so that when they do their job, they do it without fear."
Murkomen acknowledged that journalists occasionally publish reports about public officials that may be unfavourable or inaccurate, including reports concerning him, but maintained that such reports do not justify threats or violence.
"The journalists sometimes write things about me, even the ones I have not done, but that should not give anyone the reason to intimidate them. There are responsible and legal channels to air my grievances," the CS added.
His remarks came two days after Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was allegedly abducted by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Highway on Tuesday night.
Kiprotich was reportedly forced from his vehicle before being taken away and later found dumped near Masinga Dam on Wednesday evening.
Murkomen condemned the incident, stressing that journalists should not be targeted or intimidated for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
He also praised the police for commencing investigations into the alleged abduction and warned that anyone found to have planned or participated in the incident would face the law.
As Kenya enters an increasingly high-stakes political period ahead of the 2027 elections, Murkomen stressed that media freedom remains an important pillar of democracy and that journalists must be able to work without fear of physical harm.
Journalists have previously expressed concerns over cases of assault while covering political rallies and public demonstrations, urging the government to strengthen measures to protect media workers.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed that immediate investigations be launched into the alleged abduction of Kiprotich, who was reportedly seized by armed men in Gilgil on Tuesday night.
