Independent Policing Oversight Authority Vice Chair Ann Wanjiku Mwangi/HANDOUTThe Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has obtained CCTV footage and motor vehicle records as it investigates the reported abduction of Standard Group Editor Alex Kiprotich.
In a statement, IPOA Vice-Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi said investigators had identified potentially relevant footage and secured records relating to a vehicle of interest in the case.
The development comes as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s reported abduction along the Nakuru-Gilgil highway on September 1.
Kiprotich was later found near Masinga Dam, hours after he was reportedly intercepted by armed men.
Mwangi said IPOA had already taken several steps as part of the investigation, including processing scenes linked to the incident.
“The investigation team has visited and processed the identified primary and secondary scenes,” she said.
The team has also recorded statements from Kiprotich and a key witness as investigators seek to piece together events before, during and after the alleged abduction.
Mwangi said the authority had engaged several institutions and individuals with potentially relevant information, including the Standard Media Group, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The authority has also secured material that could help investigators trace the movements of vehicles linked to the incident.
“IPOA has also identified potentially relevant CCTV and dashboard-camera footage and obtained motor vehicle records relating to a vehicle of interest,” Mwangi said.
The footage could help investigators reconstruct events at the point where Kiprotich was reportedly intercepted and during his subsequent movement from the Nakuru-Gilgil highway.
Kiprotich's reported abduction has attracted widespread concern, particularly following accounts pointing to the involvement of armed men and raising questions about possible police involvement.
The Standard has reported that investigators are working to identify several police officers allegedly involved in the incident.
IPOA said, however, that its investigation had not yet established the identity or involvement of any police officers implicated in the incident.
“Further investigative activities are ongoing,” Mwangi said.
She added that the authority was securing and analysing available digital and documentary evidence while recording additional statements.
Mwangi said another key part of the investigation would be establishing “the identity and involvement, if any, of police officers implicated in the incident.”
The statement comes days after Kiprotich recorded a statement with investigators and the vehicle he was travelling in was subjected to forensic examination.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to conducting an independent probe.
“IPOA remains committed to conducting the investigation independently, professionally and in accordance with the law,” Mwangi said.
