Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Claris Ogangah /HANDOUT
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for a swift, independent and thorough investigation into the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.
The commission said it was “deeply concerned” by the incident, which reportedly occurred on the night of September 1 and saw Kiprotich abducted before he was later found safe.
In a statement, KNCHR condemned the incident, stressing that unlawful deprivation of liberty, threats and intimidation constitute serious human rights violations.
The commission said the incident raised concerns over the rights to human dignity, liberty and security of the person, freedom of movement and protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
KNCHR welcomed the public commitment by the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident through the Anti-Abduction Unit.
It, however, called for prompt investigations, urging authorities to translate their commitment into concrete action.
"We call for investigations that are prompt, independent, impartial and thorough. A public commitment to investigate must be matched by demonstrable action," the statement said.
It also called on investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported abduction and identify the armed individuals who were allegedly involved.
“Impunity for attacks against journalists cannot be allowed to take root,” the commission said.
KNCHR further raised concerns over the implications of the incident for press freedom, noting that attacks, threats and intimidation against journalists undermine constitutional protections for freedom of expression and the independence of the media.
It cited Articles 33 and 34 of the constitution, which provide for freedom of expression and freedom and independence of the media.
It also pointed to Kenya's obligations under international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to KNCHR, journalists and media workers should be able to perform their professional duties without fear of violence, harassment, intimidation, reprisals or unlawful interference.
The commission linked the incident to what it described as continuing reports of attacks, intimidation and violence targeting journalists, human rights defenders, civic actors and people involved in political or public-interest activities.
It warned that failure to address such incidents could contribute to the normalisation of intimidation as a means of silencing independent voices.
"Left unaddressed, such violations risk normalising intimidation as a means of silencing independent voices and narrowing Kenya's civic and democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Election," it said.
The commission said it would continue monitoring the matter and engage relevant authorities on the progress of the investigations.
KNCHR also said it would take appropriate action within its constitutional and legal mandate to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It urged anyone with information or human rights concerns relating to the matter to report to it through its official communication channels.
The KNCHR is an independent national human rights institution established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011.
Its mandate includes promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kenya.
