Amnesty International Kenya has called for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the abduction of Standard Media Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.
The rights organisation said the incident was particularly disturbing coming just days after President William Ruto declared that no Kenyan should lose their liberty or dignity for expressing an opinion.
Kenyans were left shocked by video footage showing armed individuals forcibly abducting Kiprotich.
He was later found abandoned in Masinga, Machakos County, after being transported more than 200 kilometres from the Gilgil-Nakuru road.
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns about human rights, freedom of expression and media freedom.
“The abduction is deeply concerning, particularly because it comes days after Kenya marked the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances,” Morara said.
He warned that abductions could be a precursor to enforced disappearances, stressing that every person has a right to liberty and security and should not be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, abduction or enforced disappearance.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the implications of the incident for journalists and the media.
“Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, abduction or other reprisals,” Mr Morara said.
He added that targeting journalists threatened not only their individual rights but also the public’s right to access information and participate freely in public life.
At celebrations marking the 16th anniversary of the Constitution, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“Every credible allegation of a human rights violation must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently. Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” the President said.
Amnesty said the government must now translate those assurances into action by ensuring a comprehensive investigation into Kiprotich’s abduction.
“We therefore call on the government to ensure an independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the abduction of Alex Kiprotich and to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law,” Mr Morara said.
He urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law through concrete action.
“Kenyans must be free to express their opinions, and journalists must be free to do their work, without fear of abduction or reprisal,” he said.
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