Abductors linked to Cabinet Secretary's office in Kiprotich abduction - September 2026

Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted after leaving the company offices and later found abandoned near the Masinga Dam. The attackers interrogated him about the newspaper's critical reporting and political matters. A shadowy unit within the Kenyan police service linked to targeting government critics was reportedly behind the abduction. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has questioned the credibility of an investigation ordered by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja into the abduction, stating Kanja cannot credibly probe the matter. Kenyan leaders across the political spectrum are demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the alleged abduction that occurred along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway in Gilgil. Kiprotich was found safe after spending approximately nine hours with his alleged captors before returning to work. The vehicle used in the incident has reportedly been linked to a government minister's office.