The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Gilgil, as the police seek to establish what happened and identify individuals reportedly involved in the incident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, NPS said it had taken note of reports surrounding the alleged kidnapping and moved swiftly to establish the circumstances of the incident.
“The NPS treats kidnapping and abduction with the utmost seriousness, as these grave offences threaten the lives, liberty and security of Kenyans,” the police said.
The Inspector General of Police has directed investigators to establish what transpired during the incident, including the identity of heavily armed individuals who were reportedly seen ordering occupants out of their vehicle.
The NPS said its Anti-Abduction Unit, which was specifically established to deal with cases involving abductions and disappearances, is actively investigating the matter.
The police further pledged to ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
“The police and media are partners in serving the public interest by safeguarding Kenya’s constitutional order,” the Service stated.
The NPS also condemned any acts of kidnapping, abduction or intimidation targeting journalists or intended to interfere with press freedom and other constitutional rights.
The Service assured the public that the investigation into the Gilgil incident would be transparent, maintaining that no individual is above the law.
“The NPS remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting all persons, upholding the Constitution, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails,” it added.
Kiprotich was allegedly abducted on the night of September 1 after a white vehicle intercepted and blocked his car along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway. Four masked and armed men are said to have pulled him out of the vehicle before forcing him into a Subaru.
He was later dumped near Masinga Dam at around 2 a.m., approximately 200 kilometres from where he was abducted. Kiprotich reportedly sought safety at a nearby homestead, where a family took him in.
The Standard Group team found him at about 6:30 a.m. Although he had not sustained any physical injuries, he was visibly shaken by the ordeal.
“He had sought refuge with a nearby family, who took him in and cared for him. He is safe, though understandably shaken by his ordeal,” stated the Standard Group team.
NPS Responds to Brutality Claims
The police statement also addressed a headline published in the Wednesday edition of The Standard concerning alleged police brutality. The NPS strongly disputed the publication, describing the headline as “misleading, inflammatory, and unsupported by evidence.”
The Service accused the newspaper of sensationalising isolated incidents and argued that such reporting could undermine public confidence in the police.
“We urge media houses to exercise restraint and verify facts before publication, in the interest of national stability and public trust,” the NPS stated.
The police, however, reaffirmed that allegations of brutality against its officers are referred to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for investigation.
The NPS said it does not shield officers accused of wrongdoing and cooperates with IPOA, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Judiciary.
According to the police, IPOA’s 2024/2025 Annual Report shows that 262 cases involving police officers are currently pending before the courts, while 42 officers have been convicted since the oversight authority was established.
The Service maintained that every allegation of misconduct is investigated and that officers found culpable are taken through the justice system.
“We assure the public that every allegation of misconduct is treated with the utmost seriousness, investigated thoroughly and expeditiously, and any officer found culpable is brought to justice without fear, favour, or delay,” NPS said.
The police further pledged to work with oversight institutions to strengthen accountability and transparency.
