The Media Owners Association (MOA) chairperson Agnes Kalekye/HANDOUTThe Media Owners Association (MOA) has called for a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.
MOA Chairperson Agnes Kalekye said the association was concerned by the incident, while expressing relief that the journalist had been found safe after going missing on the night of September 1, 2026.
“The Media Owners Association notes with concern the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor, Alex Kiprotich, on the night of 1st September 2026. We are relieved that he has been found and is safe,” Kalekye said.
She stressed that journalists should be allowed to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation, threats or interference.
“No journalist should be abducted, threatened or interfered with for doing their work,” she said.
Kalekye called for investigations into the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s alleged disappearance and urged authorities to establish what happened and hold any individuals found responsible to account.
The association also demanded clear institutional guarantees for the safety of journalists, saying the incident underscored the need for stronger measures to protect media practitioners.
MOA said it was prepared to engage the Government, security agencies and other industry partners in discussions aimed at strengthening the protection of journalists while promoting responsible journalism and adherence to the Constitution.
The demand came after Kiprotich was reportedly abducted along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway on Tuesday night, triggering an overnight search involving his colleagues, family and members of the public.
Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita later confirmed that the journalist had been found safe.
Mwita said Kiprotich was located at around 6.30am near Masinga Dam after his captors allegedly dumped him in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to the Standard Group CEO, Kiprotich sought refuge with a nearby family after being abandoned, with the family taking him in and caring for him before he was located by a Standard Group team led by Mwita.
“He is safe, though understandably shaken by the ordeal,” Mwita said.
The circumstances of the alleged abduction have raised concerns among media stakeholders, particularly over the safety of journalists while carrying out their duties.
Mwita thanked individuals who took part in the overnight search and those who stood with the journalist's family and colleagues during the ordeal.
“We thank everyone who mobilised through the night to search for him, prayed for him, and stood with this Group and his family through an anxious few hours - including the household that opened its doors to him,” he said.
The MOA said the incident should serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting media freedom and ensuring that journalists can work without fear of reprisals.
The association reiterated its willingness to work with State institutions and security agencies to develop mechanisms that can enhance journalist protection.
