Kenyan Journalist Alex Kiprotich Allegedly Abducted in Gilgil as Police Launch Investigation

Standard Group Associate Editor, Alex Kiprotich, was allegedly abducted in Gilgil on Tuesday evening, September 1, 2026, alongside his driver, Geoffrey Kamau.

The incident unfolded dramatically, with Kiprotich making a frantic and barely coherent final call to Tom Kipyegon, the company's Head of Security, at 9:20 pm, shouting that he was being abducted before the line went dead.

Despite repeated attempts to call back, Kiprotich's phone was soon switched off, initiating what has been described as a 'nightmare'. Videograb footage from Gilgil on the said date shows police officers leading Alex Kiprotich to a vehicle.

In response to the grave allegations, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered immediate and transparent investigations into the matter.

The National Police Service (NPS), through spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, acknowledged reports of Kiprotich's alleged kidnapping and confirmed that it is treating the incident with utmost seriousness.

Nyaga emphasized that kidnapping and abduction pose a significant threat to the lives, liberty, and security of Kenyans, asserting that the police would work swiftly to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The NPS stated that its specialized Anti-Abduction Unit has taken charge of the investigation, vowing to ensure that those responsible for the alleged abduction are brought to justice.

Furthermore, the police service unequivocally condemned any acts of kidnapping, abduction, or intimidation that aim to interfere with press freedom or any other constitutional right.

The public has been assured that the investigation into the Gilgil incident will be conducted with full transparency, underscoring that no individual or entity is above the law.

The alleged abduction has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Angela Quintal, CPJ Africa Director, described the incident as a "shameful indictment" of the Kenya Kwanza administration. Quintal raised significant concerns over the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in Kenya, particularly noting the incident occurred just three days after President William Ruto's public criticism of The Standard Group.

The New York-based press freedom organization also highlighted a worrying escalation in cases of abductions and enforced disappearances across Kenya, urging for a swift and thorough investigation to protect journalistic integrity and constitutional rights.