The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the alleged abduction of The Standard Group Editor Alex Kiprotich and directed that investigations into the incident be conducted swiftly to uncover those responsible.
Speaking on Thursday in Elgeyo Marakwet, Murkomen termed the incident barbaric and said anyone found to have played a role should face the full force of the law.
“It is barbaric for whoever executed such a thing. They must face the full force of the law,” he said.
The Interior CS urged authorities to speed up the investigations to determine what happened and establish the identities of those behind Kiprotich’s disappearance.
Murkomen also assured journalists that the government remained committed to safeguarding media workers and creating a secure environment in which they could perform their duties.
“As the Interior CS, I want to assure all journalists that I am a stakeholder of journalists. I have been a big beneficiary of working together with them,” he said.
He recognised the important role journalists play in keeping the public informed and holding government institutions accountable. According to Murkomen, reporters often highlight shortcomings in government through legitimate and constructive channels.
“I know the kind of work they do. Many reporters do a good job, they correct the government using the right way and help report and disseminate news we want reaching Kenyans,” he said.
Murkomen further instructed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure journalists and other media workers are adequately protected while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Kiprotich was allegedly abducted by armed men on Tuesday night along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway. He was later found safe in the Masinga area of Machakos County, more than 200 kilometres from where he was reportedly taken.
His disappearance prompted an overnight search involving his colleagues and family. He was eventually located at approximately 6.30 am near Masinga Dam.
Although the journalist was reported to be safe, he was said to be shaken by the ordeal and was taken to hospital for medical examination.
The incident has triggered widespread concern among media and human rights organisations, which have demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and accountability for those involved.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) called for an immediate, independent, impartial and comprehensive investigation, cautioning against the normalisation of impunity.
The commission said any government commitment to investigating the incident must be accompanied by concrete action.
KNCHR also warned that the incident could have serious implications for press freedom, noting that attacks, threats and intimidation targeting journalists undermine constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression and media independence.
The commission stressed that impunity for attacks against journalists must not be allowed to become entrenched.
