Nairobi, 2 September 2026: The abduction of Alex Kiprotich, Associate Editor at the Standard Media Group, comes just days after President William Ruto declared that no Kenyan should lose their liberty or dignity for expressing an opinion. Kenyans are shocked by chilling video footage showing armed individuals brazenly abducting Mr Kiprotich. He was later found abandoned in Masinga, Machakos County, having been transported more than 200 kilometres from the Gilgil–Nakuru road.
The abduction is deeply concerning, particularly because it comes days after Kenya marked the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Abductions can be a precursor to enforced disappearance. Every person has the right to liberty and security, and no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, abduction or enforced disappearance.
The circumstances surrounding Mr Kiprotich’s abduction are also deeply troubling for freedom of expression and media freedom. Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, abduction or other reprisals. A climate in which journalists are targeted for their work threatens not only their rights, but the public’s right to access information and participate freely in public life.
At the 16th anniversary celebrations of the Constitution, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, stating: “Every credible allegation of a human rights violation must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently. Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.” We therefore call on the government to ensure an independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the abduction of Alex Kiprotich and to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law.
The government must demonstrate its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law not only through words, but through concrete action. Kenyans must be free to express their opinions, and journalists must be free to do their work, without fear of abduction or reprisal
Signed
George Morara,
Executive Director, Amnesty International Kenya.
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