Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich. /HANDOUTThe Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned the reported abduction of Standard Media Group editor Alex Kiprotich.
Kiprotich was reportedly taken by armed men along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on Tuesday night under circumstances that have raised concerns over the safety of journalists and the freedom of the press.
ODM said it was concerned by reports that the journalist may have been taken by either police officers or unidentified persons, saying such an incident undermines press freedom.
“The act is an affront to the Freedom of the Press and other Freedoms embedded in the Constitution of Kenya under Article 34,” the party said.
The party said the Constitution protects freedom and independence of the media under Article 34, including the right of journalists to carry out their work without interference.
ODM said if Kiprotich's alleged abduction was tied to any offence he may have committed, he should be taken before a court and formally charged.
Kiprotich was reportedly found safe near Masinga Dam after spending about nine hours in the hands of armed men.
The reported incident has attracted concern after footage from the journalist’s dashcam emerged, purportedly showing several masked men alighting from a white Subaru.
The men, who appear to be armed, are seen approaching Kiprotich’s vehicle before he is reportedly forced out and bundled into the Subaru.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identity of the men and whether they were law enforcement officers, were not immediately established.
ODM said the reported incident should prompt renewed attention for the protection of constitutional freedoms and the safety of journalists.
The party also criticised what it described as a culture of abductions, particularly incidents allegedly carried out at night.
“For Kenya to progress and for Kenyans to be guaranteed of their freedoms under the Constitution of Kenya, the culture of abductions and particularly those carried out during nightfall should be stopped,” ODM said.
The reported abduction comes amid continued public concern over the safety of journalists and the protection of media freedom in Kenya.
Article 34 guarantees freedom and independence of the media, while constitutional protections on individual liberty and due process require that anyone suspected of committing an offence be dealt with through lawful procedures.
