Standard Group Editor Reveals Details of Abductors After Being Found Safe

Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich has been found safe, about nine hours after he was allegedly abducted along the Gilgil–Nakuru road on Tuesday night.

Kiprotich was reportedly dumped about 10 metres from Masinga Dam at around 2:00 a.m., approximately 137 kilometres from Nairobi.

After being abandoned, he sought refuge at a nearby home, where he remained until Standard Group colleagues located him at around 6:30 a.m.

Kiprotich is reportedly safe but visibly shaken following the ordeal.

According to colleagues, Kiprotich told them that four masked men armed with AK-47 rifles abducted him and drove him in a Subaru bearing registration number KDC 125E.

He reportedly told his colleagues that the vehicle appeared to be a government vehicle and was fitted with a siren.

At roadblocks, Kiprotich said the abductors interacted with other police officers, who waved their vehicle through without stopping it.

Kiprotich said the abductors repeatedly interrogated him, questioning him about where The Standard Group gets its stories and how its headlines are decided.

They also asked whether Gideon Moi, a shareholder in the Group, receives visitors at Kabarak.

Alex Kiprotich Abduction

The Standard Group had earlier confirmed that Kiprotich was allegedly abducted shortly before 9:20 p.m. while travelling along the Gilgil–Nakuru road on Tuesday.

In a press statement dated September 1, 2026, the media company said it does not know his whereabouts and described the incident as the second time the journalist has been targeted in less than three months.

“The Standard Group PLC confirms that shortly before 9:20 pm this evening, our Associate Editor, Alex Kiprotich, was abducted along the Gilgil–Nakuru road while travelling to Nakuru. We do not know where he is as we issue this statement,” read part of the statement.

Standard Group Says Previous Attack Came After Ruto Criticised Standard

According to the statement, armed men attempted to seize Kiprotich from his vehicle on June 27, 2026, as he travelled to work in Nakuru, but he escaped by locking his car doors and driving away.

The Standard Group said the men were travelling in a Toyota Probox and alleged that its investigations later traced the vehicle to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau.

Also Read: Standard Group Director Resigns After Nearly Two Years in Office

However, the media company said no one has been held accountable over the June incident.

It further said the earlier attempt occurred days after President William Ruto publicly criticised the media company over its coverage.

Standard Group said the editor has been involved in editorial coverage scrutinising the conduct of the State and that Tuesday night’s incident had the characteristics of a targeted attack against a journalist because of his work.

“We do not believe this is a coincidence,” the company said in the statement.

Although Standard said the abduction may be linked to elements within the State seeking to intimidate the media organisation into silence, it did not provide new evidence in the statement establishing who carried out the alleged abduction or who ordered it.

It said that if State involvement is confirmed, the incident would constitute an attack on freedom of expression and media freedom protected under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution of Kenya.

Calls for Stronger Protection of Journalists

The media organisation said it holds the State responsible for Kiprotich’s safety and life while he remains missing.

It argued that protecting the life and liberty of citizens is a fundamental responsibility of the State as it called for immediate action to locate the journalist and secure his safe return.

Furthermore, Standard Group demanded a prompt, transparent and independent investigation into the alleged abduction and the June 27 incident.

The media company also called for visible guarantees for the protection of journalists in Kenya, citing previous public commitments by the President.

Additionally, Standard Group has appealed to several institutions and organisations to join its call for answers.

Also Read: Standard Group Speaks After Alleged Abduction Attempt on Senior Editor Close to Gideon Moi

They include the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the Law Society of Kenya, the Media Council of Kenya and the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The company also called on members of the public and everyone who supports press freedom to maintain pressure until Kiprotich is found safe.

Meanwhile,  Standard Group said it would continue updating the public as more information becomes available and vowed not to allow the matter to “quietly fade from view.”

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The Standard Group has demanded the immediate and safe release of its Associate Editor, Alex Kiprotich, after his alleged abduction along the Gilgil–Nakuru road on Tuesday night. PHOTO/Courtesy.