NPS Orders Probe Into Alleged Abduction of Standard Editor in Gilgil

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed the Anti-Abduction Unit to establish what happened during the reported incident and identify the people behind it.

According to police, armed individuals were reportedly seen ordering occupants out of a vehicle, raising concerns over the safety of the media professional and others who may have been involved.

The NPS said it is treating the allegations with seriousness and will pursue anyone found to have been involved.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said kidnapping and abduction remain serious crimes that threaten the safety, freedom and security of Kenyans.

“The NPS treats kidnapping and abduction with the utmost seriousness, as these grave offences threaten the lives, liberty and security of Kenyans,” Nyaga said.

He confirmed that the Anti-Abduction Unit was actively investigating the matter.

“Our Anti-Abduction Unit, specifically established to address abductions and disappearances, is actively investigating and will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Nyaga said.

Police Reject Claims in Standard Report

The investigation comes as the police service responds to a report published by the Standard over alleged police brutality.

The NPS strongly disputed the publication’s headline, describing it as misleading and inflammatory.

Police accused the newspaper of presenting isolated incidents in a way that could undermine public confidence in the service.

The NPS called on media organisations to verify information before publishing reports involving sensitive security matters.

“We urge media houses to exercise restraint and verify facts before publication, in the interest of national stability and public trust,” the service said.

However, the police also said allegations of misconduct involving officers are subject to independent investigations.

The NPS pointed to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is mandated to investigate complaints against police officers.

Police Say Officers Are Not Shielded

The police service maintained that it operates under the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and other relevant laws.

It also rejected suggestions that officers accused of wrongdoing are protected from prosecution.

According to the NPS, its officers are held accountable where investigations establish that they have broken the law.

The service cited IPOA’s 2024/2025 Annual Report, which states that 262 cases involving police officers were pending before the courts, while 42 officers had been convicted since the oversight authority was established.

“Any officer found culpable is brought to justice without fear, favour, or delay,” the NPS said.

Police added that they work with IPOA, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary when dealing with cases involving alleged police misconduct.

Gilgil Incident Raises Press Freedom Concerns

The alleged incident involving Kiprotich has renewed attention on the safety of journalists in Kenya.

The NPS said it condemns kidnapping, abduction and intimidation, particularly where such actions are intended to interfere with press freedom or other constitutional rights.

“The police and media are partners in serving the public interest by safeguarding Kenya’s constitutional order,” Nyaga said.

The service promised that the Gilgil case would be investigated transparently and said anyone found responsible would be held accountable.

The NPS has urged the public to remain calm as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation comes at a sensitive time for relations between the police and sections of the media, with both institutions facing pressure to uphold accountability, public safety and constitutional rights.

The NPS said it remains committed to protecting all Kenyans, respecting fundamental rights and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.