People’s Party leader and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has condemned the reported intimidation of journalists and warned state institutions against political interference ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nyoro underscored the need for Kenyans to exercise their democratic rights freely, arguing that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional role without threats or interference.
Speaking during the party’s tour in Githumu, Kandara Constituency, the MP criticised the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, maintaining that journalists should not be targeted for exposing issues of public interest.
“Let us stop intimidating journalists. Journalism is a profession, and their job is to tell Kenyans the truth,” Nyoro stated.
Kiprotich was abducted shortly before 9.20 pm on Tuesday while travelling along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road by armed and masked men who reportedly blocked his vehicle and forcibly took him away.
He was later found safe at around 2 am on Wednesday after being dumped about 10 metres from Masinga Dam, more than 200 kilometres from where he was seized. A nearby family offered him refuge before a Standard Group team located him at about 6.30 am.
The incident was the second time Kiprotich had been targeted in just over two months.
On June 27, armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox allegedly attempted to force him out of his vehicle as he drove to work in Nakuru, but he escaped by locking his car and driving away.
Nyoro linked the latest incident to growing concerns over press freedom, urging the government to allow media organisations to operate without threats or interference.
“Abductions of Kenyans must stop. No Kenyan has come to this country to be mistreated. Every Kenyan is Kenyan and has the right to be a Kenyan,” he maintained.
The MP challenged the government to address allegations raised by journalists and provide an environment where they are allowed to carry out their duties without fear.
He further called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and security agencies to ensure the police serve the public impartially rather than advance political interests.
He made similar calls to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), cautioning the commission against favouring particular individuals or political parties and to apply the law equally.
“IEBC, Kenyans are watching you closely. And because we have given you money through the National Assembly, when you are working with our security agencies, you must work with them impartially,” he said.
Nyoro urged the IEBC to scrutinise the eligibility of prospective candidates and take action against those found to have breached electoral laws, including barring them from contesting where the law provides for such sanctions.
He maintained that Kenyans should be free to choose their leaders without threats, intimidation or pressure from those in government, warning political leaders against using rhetoric or threats to influence voters.
IEBC recently urged politicians to accept defeat and warned that refusal to concede could heighten tensions and trigger violence during the elections.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned several politicians over inflammatory remarks as it steps up efforts to promote peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Those summoned include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and nominated MP Joseph Wainaina Iraya.
Nyoro also called for greater political unity among opposition leaders, emphasising his readiness to work with figures across the political divide ahead of the 2027 polls.
He maintained that the opposition would need to rally behind a single candidate if it was to mount a strong challenge against President William Ruto in 2027.
“I am prepared, but we must choose one person, and whoever we choose, all of us must support him. That is how we will win in the first round,” he declared.
