The Standard Group has announced that its Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was found near Masinga Dam nine hours after he was abducted along the Gilgil–Nakuru Road by armed men. In an update around 7.30 am on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the company said the editor, who had been abducted along the Gilgil- Nakuru Road, was safe.Â
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the media company said Kiprotich was abducted shortly before 9:20 pm while travelling to Nakuru.
The Group said Kiprotich’s whereabouts remained unknown when it issued the statement, condemning the alleged abduction and demanding his immediate and safe release.
“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.
Alex Kiprotich Abducted Along Gilgil-Nakuru Road
According to the media house, the incident comes about two months after Kiprotich was allegedly targeted in a separate incident on June 27, when armed men in a Toyota Probox reportedly attempted to seize him from his vehicle as he drove to work in Nakuru.
The company said Kiprotich escaped by locking his vehicle doors and driving away.
Investigations by the company into the June incident allegedly traced the vehicle to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, although no one has been held accountable over the reported attempted abduction.
Tuesday’s incident, according to the Standard Group, appeared to be connected to Kiprotich’s journalistic work, particularly his reporting on the conduct of the State.
It further alleged that individuals within the State may be behind the latest incident to intimidate the media organization.
However, the allegations have not been independently established.
Standard Group Calls For Immediate Release
The Standard Group said it holds the State responsible for Kiprotich’s safety while he remains missing and called for his immediate release.
It further demanded a prompt, transparent and independent investigation into both the alleged abduction and the June 27 incident, alongside visible guarantees for the protection of journalists in Kenya.
The media organization also urged 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, among other organizations, to join efforts to secure answers and ensure Kiprotich is found safe.
Also Read:Â Four Armed Men Reportedly Attempt to Abduct Standard Group Editor
Who Is Alex Kiprotich?
Alex Kiprotich is a veteran Kenyan journalist who has worked at the Standard Media Group for more than 15 years.
He currently serves as Deputy News Editor and Bureau Chief, having been the Bureau Chief in Nakuru since January 2013.
In the role, he manages the bureau’s administrative and editorial functions, leads reporters, cameramen and photographers, commissions content, maintains the regional news diary and ensures production schedules are met.
Before taking up his current leadership role, Kiprotich worked as an Investigative and Special Features Writer at the Standard Media Group from July 2007 to March 2012, where he researched and wrote newsworthy stories for The Standard newspaper.
He briefly worked at Kabarak University as a Speech Writer and Public Relations Officer between April and December 2012.
Kiprotich holds a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Egerton University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from Kenyatta University and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Literary Studies from Moi University, where he majored in English and minored in Philosophy.
Also Read:Â Standard Group Director Resigns Abruptly
State Vs Standard
The alleged abduction comes about two months after a public dispute between President William Ruto and the Standard Group over the media house’s coverage of his administration.
On June 24, Ruto accused Standard Group owner Gideon Moi of using negative coverage to pressure his administration, alleging the media house was trying to blackmail him.
“GMoi, your Standard Media’s five-days-a-week extortionist propaganda headlines on me and my administration’s transformative track record will get you nothing and nowhere!” Ruto said in a post on his official X account.
The President renewed his criticism the following day, accusing the media house’s management of failing to pay employees while using its coverage to pressure his government.
Standard Group, in response, defended its editorial independence and said it would continue reporting on matters of public interest, including governance and leadership.
The media house also disputed the allegations and raised concerns over KSh1.2 billion it said the government owed the company.
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