Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen/XInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the abduction of The Standard Group Editor Alex Kiprotich, calling for speedy investigations to establish those behind the incident.
Murkomen described the incident as barbaric and maintained that anyone found to have been involved should face the full force of the law.
“It is barbaric for whoever executed such a thing. They must face the full force of the law,” Murkomen said on Thursday while in Elgeyo Marakwet.
He called for probe to be expedited to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
The CS also assured journalists that the government was committed to protecting media workers and ensuring they could carry out their duties safely.
“As the Interior CS, I want to assure all journalists that I am a stakeholder of journalists. I have been a big beneficiary of working together with them,” Murkomen said.
He acknowledged the role played by journalists in informing the public and holding the government to account, noting that many reporters raise concerns about government actions through legitimate channels.
“I know the kind of work they do. Many reporters do a good job, they correct the government using the right way and help report and disseminate news we want reaching Kenyans,” he said.
He urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure journalists and other media personnel receive adequate security and protection as they undertake their work.
Armed individuals allegedly seized Kiprotich
on Tuesday night along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway and later found him safe in the Masinga area of Machakos County, more than 200 kilometres away.His disappearance sparked an overnight search by colleagues and family members before he was located at about 6.30 am near Masinga Dam.
The journalist was reported to be safe but shaken and was taken to hospital for medical checks.
The incident has drawn concern from rights and media organisations, which have called for investigations into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and for those responsible to be held accountable.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, in a statement, called for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation, warning against allowing impunity to take root.
"We call for investigations that are prompt, independent, impartial and thorough. A public commitment to investigate must be matched by demonstrable action," the body stated.
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.
“Impunity for attacks against journalists cannot be allowed to take root,” the commission said.
