The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is deeply concerned by the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor, Mr. Alex Kiprotich on the night of 1st September 2026. The Commission unequivocally condemns the incident and notes with relief that Mr. Kiprotich was subsequently found safe.
Abduction, unlawful deprivation of liberty, threats and intimidation are grave violations of human rights and are against the Constitution of Kenya, the rule of law and Kenya’s international human rights obligations. The reported incident raises serious concerns regarding the rights to human dignity, liberty and security of the person, freedom of movement, and freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The Commission further emphasizes that attacks, threats and intimidation against journalists violate the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and freedom and independence of the media under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution. They also violate Kenya’s obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas. Journalists and media workers must be able to undertake their professional duties freely and safely, without fear of violence, harassment, intimidation, reprisals or unlawful interference.
The Commission notes the Inspector-General of the National Police Service’s public commitment to undertake immediate investigations through the Anti-Abduction Unit, including establishing the circumstances of the incident and identifying the armed individuals reportedly involved. While the KNCHR welcomes this commitment, we call for investigations that are prompt, independent, impartial and thorough. A public commitment to investigate must be matched by demonstrable action. Impunity for attacks against journalists cannot be allowed to take root.
This incident comes amid continuing reports of attacks, intimidation and violence against journalists, human rights defenders, civic actors and persons engaged in political or public-interest activities. Left unaddressed, such violations risk normalizing intimidation as a means of silencing independent voices and narrowing Kenya’s civic and democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The KNCHR will continue to monitor this matter, engage the relevant duty bearers on the progress of investigations, and take appropriate action within its constitutional and legal mandate to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Commission calls on anyone with information or a human rights concern to report through the following channels: Email: haki@knchr.org; SMS: 22359; WhatsApp: 0798 849 871; and Toll-Free Line: 0800 720 627.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an Independent National Human Rights Institution established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011. The Commission's mandate is the promotion and protection of human rights in Kenya.
Haki Kwa Wote, Kila Wakati!
Claris Ogangah,
Chairperson, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).