The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has urged authorities to conduct a swift, independent and comprehensive investigation into the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.
The commission said it was “deeply concerned” about the incident, which allegedly took place on the night of September 1. Kiprotich was reportedly abducted before being found safe later.
In a statement, KNCHR condemned the incident, noting that unlawful detention, threats and intimidation amount to serious violations of human rights.
The commission said the circumstances raised concerns about the rights to human dignity, personal liberty and security, freedom of movement, as well as protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
KNCHR welcomed the commitment by the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to investigate the matter through the Anti-Abduction Unit. However, it stressed that the commitment should be followed by immediate and tangible action.
The commission called for investigations that are prompt, independent, impartial and thorough, saying authorities must demonstrate through their actions that they are serious about establishing what happened.
It further urged investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and establish the identities of the armed individuals reportedly involved.
KNCHR warned that attacks against journalists must not be allowed to go unpunished, stressing that impunity could undermine the country’s democratic and civic space.
The commission also expressed concern about the wider impact of the incident on press freedom. It said attacks, threats and intimidation targeting journalists undermine constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression and media independence.
It referred to Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which safeguard freedom of expression and the freedom and independence of the media.
KNCHR also highlighted Kenya’s obligations under international human rights agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The commission maintained that journalists and media workers should be able to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of violence, harassment, intimidation, retaliation or unlawful interference.
It placed the incident within what it described as a broader pattern of reported attacks, threats and violence against journalists, human rights defenders, civic actors and individuals engaged in political or public-interest activities.
According to KNCHR, failing to address such violations could create an environment where intimidation becomes an accepted tool for suppressing independent voices.
It warned that leaving such incidents unresolved could contribute to the normalisation of intimidation and shrink Kenya’s civic and democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission said it would continue monitoring the case and engage with relevant authorities on the progress of the investigations.
KNCHR added that it would take appropriate measures within its constitutional and legal mandate to promote and safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It also encouraged anyone with information or human rights concerns connected to the incident to report them through the commission’s official communication channels.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is an independent national human rights institution established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011.
Its mandate includes promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kenya.
