Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich was found safe in Machakos County after being held by unknown captors for nearly nine hours. Kiprotich was discovered in the Masinga area by his employer’s team following reports of his abduction. He had been dumped by his captors and sought refuge with a local family before being located.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the incident, though Kiprotich’s employer, the Democracy for the Citizens Party, has expressed concern over the use of force against journalists. A senior party official, Peter Mbae, warned the government against intimidating the media, stating such actions would not deter critical reporting.
Meanwhile, another Standard Group journalist, Julius Chepkwony, was summoned by police hours after Kiprotich’s disappearance. Chepkwony was questioned over a missing report linked to the abduction. The situation remains under investigation, with no arrests made as of yet.
The incident has raised concerns about press freedom in the region, with calls for transparency and protection of journalists.
