Unit Behind Alex Kiprotich Abduction Allegedly Linked to Cabinet Secretary

Unit Behind Alex Kiprotich Abduction Allegedly Linked to Cabinet Secretary

Fresh claims have emerged over the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, with sources alleging that the armed unit involved is linked to the office of a sitting Cabinet Secretary.

The claims have raised new questions about the identities of the four armed men who allegedly intercepted Kiprotich along the Gilgil-Nakuru road on Tuesday, September 1.

According to police sources cited in reports, the four-man unit allegedly followed Kiprotich from the Standard Media Group offices along Mombasa Road in Nairobi before intercepting his vehicle near Gilgil Way Bridge.

However, the claims have not been independently verified.

Kiprotich Questioned Over Standard Stories

Following his release, Kiprotich reportedly said his abductors questioned him about the sources behind stories published by The Standard that had portrayed the government administration negatively.

According to reports by KTN, the men also allegedly questioned him about visitors to the home of KANU leader Gideon Moi and discussions held during those visits.

The claims have intensified concerns over possible political interference in media operations, particularly at a time when political tensions are rising ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kiprotich was reportedly subjected to several hours of questioning before being released.

Gachagua Makes Serious Allegations

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also alleged that the group involved in the incident is part of a larger security operation.

Gachagua claimed information reaching him indicated that the unit has about 60 officers and receives instructions from a Cabinet Secretary and a powerful Principal Secretary.

The former deputy president questioned whether investigations would identify those behind the alleged operation.

“That investigation, like all the others you have ordered, will go nowhere because it was done by police officers outside your command.”

The allegation has not been independently established, and neither the Cabinet Secretary allegedly linked to the unit nor the Principal Secretary named in Gachagua’s remarks had publicly responded at the time of reporting.

Police Deny Involvement

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, through National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, denied police involvement in Kiprotich’s alleged abduction.

Kanja said police were aware of the incident and ordered the Anti-Abduction Squad to investigate what happened.

The investigation is expected to establish the identities of the armed individuals involved, the vehicle used during the incident and the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s disappearance and subsequent release.

The police response is significant because the alleged abductors were reportedly armed and appeared to operate in a coordinated manner.

Questions Over Vehicle Used

Questions have also emerged over the vehicle allegedly used to take Kiprotich away.

A search of the National Transport and Safety Authority records reportedly indicated that the registration number associated with the vehicle was linked to a Honda Fit registered in December 2021.

The vehicle’s ownership has since reportedly been traced to a private individual. The owner’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.

The emergence of the vehicle records could form part of the investigation as authorities attempt to establish who was using the car during the alleged abduction.

The government had not issued a statement linking any Cabinet Secretary to the vehicle or the alleged operation.

Journalist Found Near Masinga Dam

Kiprotich was allegedly intercepted after being followed for about 120 kilometres.

He was reportedly taken from his vehicle by four masked men and questioned for approximately nine hours over The Standard’s investigative reporting.

Before dawn on September 2, he was allegedly dumped near Masinga Dam.

The journalist walked to a nearby homestead and sought assistance.

A rescue team led by Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita reportedly located him at about 6:30am.

Kiprotich was found shaken but alive, bringing an end to the overnight ordeal.

The allegations surrounding his abduction remain subject to investigation, with authorities expected to establish who was involved, why the journalist was targeted and whether any state officials played a role.

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Unit Behind Alex Kiprotich Abduction Allegedly Linked to Cabinet Secretary