Standard Group Speaks After Alleged Abduction Attempt on Senior Editor Close to Gideon Moi
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For years, Alex Kiprotich has remained one of the most influential yet least publicly known figures inside Standard Group PLC.
Unlike television anchors and newspaper columnists who regularly appear before the public, Kiprotich has largely operated behind the scenes.
Within Standard media circles, however, he is described by some insiders as a key editorial decision-maker, with significant influence over the newspaper’s daily news agenda and front-page headlines.
That influence has now thrust him into the national spotlight following an alleged attempted abduction in Nakuru on Saturday, June 27.
According to a statement by Standard Group PLC, four armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox reportedly attempted to abduct Kiprotich, an incident the media house said occurred days after President William Ruto criticised the organisation’s coverage.
“Four armed men in a Toyota Probox attempt to abduct Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Nakuru early Saturday, days after President Ruto criticised the media house’s news coverage,” the company stated.
The Standard Group’s statement came shortly after criticism from President Ruto over what he described as unfavorable reporting, while the media house defended its role in holding leaders accountable.
Claims Surrounding Alex Kiprotich’s Role
Although his official title is Associate Editor, Kiprotich is the newsroom’s most influential editorial figures.
Colleagues describe him as deeply involved in shaping the newspaper’s daily editorial agenda, particularly the hard-hitting front-page headlines that are critical of the government or sometimes borders absurdity, such as the recent false claim about Zimbabwean businessman being given the contract for JKIA modernisation.
“Alex is the defacto leader at the Standard. The other editors are frustrated for being turned into flower girls, but they are scared of loosing their jobs because they are on short term contracts,” An insider said.
His influence has led to widespread perceptions that he exercises authority extending beyond his formal designation, although Standard Group has never publicly characterised his role in those terms.
Kiprotich is an associate former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, a relationship that has fuelled public debate whenever the newspaper publishes politically charged stories.
He is known to drive from Nakuru every day to dictate the Standard newspaper headlines.
At the same time, Kiprotich doubles as the Standard’s Nakuru Bureau Chief.
Other claims alleged that Kiprotich “dictates everything at the Standard” and that senior management roles within the organization have been overshadowed by his influence.
The allegations also included claims about delayed salaries and internal management struggles.
In April 2025, communication strategist and X user @BiancaNaom1 made a series of allegations about Kiprotich’s work and political connections.
“Meet Alex Kiprotich, a Standard newspaper employee, who was eating life with a big spoon through FRAUDULENT and CORRUPT means. Employed in the private sector but earning two other salaries from PUBLIC COFFERS, both from parliament as Gideon Moi’s PA and as a staff member in the office of retired President Moi,” Bianca claimed.
“Alex still works at Gideon Moi’s office and only pops in the office twice a week to order people around. However, every evening, he must coordinate the standard newspaper headline,” Bianca further alleged.
The claims made by BiancaNaom1 remain allegations and have not been established by a court or an official investigation.
Standard Group Headlines Under Public Scrutiny
The Standard Group has previously faced criticism over some of its political headlines, with debates emerging around whether headlines accurately reflected the full context of the stories published.
Also Read:Standard Group Journalists Blocked from Covering Ruto’s Event
One example was the headline: “Ruto faces backlash over attack on Standard Group.”
The story followed criticism from politicians and human rights groups after President Ruto attacked the media house over its reporting.
The background included statements from figures who argued that presidential criticism of the press could threaten media independence.
Another screaming headline stated that, “We won’t cheer failure: Standard Group hits back at Ruto’s rant.”
This headline gave details about the Standard Group’s reaction to the rant made by President Ruto against their journalistic activities, and Chaacha Mwita, the CEO of the Standard Group, defended their independence in this case.
The third headline was “Ruto: Opposition has no plan, just noise.”
The news was based on statements of President Ruto who had criticized and attacked the united opposition leaders and accused them of having no agenda.
The fourth headline was “Experts say Ruto is ruining the economy by making fuel prices high.”
In this case, the article highlighted the opinions and statements of experts and politicians about fuel prices and economic problems.
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A photo collage of KANU Chairman Gideon Moi and President William Ruto. PHOTO/Courtesy