Amnesty executive director George Morara during a past event /COURTESYAmnesty International Kenya has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the alleged abduction of Standard Media Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, saying the incident threatens freedom of expression and media freedom.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Amnesty said Kiprotich was allegedly abducted by armed individuals and later found abandoned in Masinga, Machakos county after being transported more than 200km from the Gilgil-Nakuru road.
The rights organisation said the incident was particularly concerning coming days after President William Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“Every credible allegation of a human rights violation must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently,” Ruto said during celebrations marking the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Amnesty executive director George Morara said the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s alleged abduction raised serious questions about the safety of journalists and the protection of freedom of expression.
“We therefore call on the government to ensure an independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the abduction of Alex Kiprotich,” Morara said.
He said anyone found responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The organisation said the reported incident was disturbing because journalists should be able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, abduction or other forms of reprisal.
"Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, abduction or other reprisals,” Amnesty said.
According to the rights group, targeting journalists has consequences beyond the individuals involved because it can undermine the public’s right to access information and participate freely in public affairs.
Amnesty also linked the incident to the constitutional guarantees of liberty and security, arguing that no person should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, abduction or enforced disappearance.
The alleged abduction comes shortly after the country marked 16 years since the promulgation of the Constitution on August 27, 2010, a milestone that Amnesty said should reinforce Kenya’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The organisation urged the government to demonstrate that commitment through concrete action rather than statements.
“The government must demonstrate its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law not only through words, but through concrete action,” it said.
Amnesty further called for protection of the right of Kenyans to express their opinions freely, while urging authorities to ensure journalists can work without fear of reprisals.
“Kenyans must be free to express their opinions, and journalists must be free to do their work, without fear of abduction or reprisal,” the organisation said.
The statement comes amid heightened public concern over reports of abductions and enforced disappearances, with rights groups repeatedly calling for investigations and accountability where violations are alleged.
