Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich Found Safe After Abduction

Nairobi, Kenya | September 2, 2026

Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich has been found safe after he was reportedly abducted by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road on Tuesday night.

Kiprotich and his driver, Geoffrey Kamau, were reportedly seized shortly before 9:20 p.m. as they travelled towards Nakuru. Kiprotich was later found near Masinga Dam in Machakos County, more than 200 kilometres from where he was reportedly taken.

The journalist was located in the early hours of Wednesday after seeking refuge at a nearby household. A Standard Group team later arrived and took him to safety.

Kiprotich was reportedly shaken by the ordeal and did not immediately speak publicly about the incident. His recovery has nevertheless brought relief to his colleagues, family and members of the media fraternity.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of journalists in Kenya, particularly because Kiprotich had reportedly survived another attempted abduction in Nakuru in June.

During the earlier incident, armed men allegedly attempted to force him out of his vehicle. Kiprotich managed to escape after locking himself inside the vehicle and driving away.

The latest incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation to establish who was behind the abduction, where Kiprotich was held and the motive behind the attack.

Standard Group management has described the incident as deeply troubling and raised concerns that Kiprotich may have been targeted because of his journalistic work.

The Media Owners Association and other media and human rights organisations have condemned the incident and called for a swift, independent and transparent investigation.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission has also called for accountability, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious questions about the protection of journalists and the response of security agencies.

Police have launched investigations into the incident as authorities work to establish the identities of those involved and determine whether the latest case is connected to the earlier attempted abduction.

The incident has once again placed media freedom and the safety of journalists at the centre of national debate, with calls for stronger measures to ensure journalists can carry out their duties without intimidation, threats or violence.

Kiprotich is now safe, but investigations will continue as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding his abduction and identify those responsible.