The Atheists In Kenya Society (AIK) strongly condemns the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was reportedly seized by armed men along the Gilgil–Nakuru Road on Tuesday night.
We welcome the news that Mr. Kiprotich has been found alive and safe. However, his ordeal is deeply disturbing and raises serious questions about the safety of journalists and the state of media freedom in Kenya. He was reportedly held for approximately nine hours before being found dumped near Masinga Dam.
This is particularly alarming because Mr. Kiprotich had reportedly been targeted in an earlier attempted abduction in June 2026. Investigations into that incident were reported to have linked the attackers to detectives attached to the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau in Nakuru.
Journalism is not a crime. Investigative reporting is not a crime. Criticising those in power is not a crime.
The Constitution of Kenya protects freedom of expression and media freedom, and these freedoms must be protected regardless of whether those in power agree with what journalists publish.
The Atheists In Kenya Society stands firmly with journalists, media organisations and every Kenyan exercising their constitutional right to speak, question, investigate and hold power accountable.
We therefore demand:
- A thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the abduction of Alex Kiprotich.
- The identification, arrest and prosecution of everyone involved, regardless of their position or affiliation.
- A comprehensive investigation into the previous attempted abduction of Mr. Kiprotich.
- Effective protection for journalists facing threats because of their professional work.
- An end to the use of intimidation, abductions and unlawful force against journalists, activists, critics and government accountability advocates.
The Government of Kenya must understand that media freedom cannot exist where journalists live in fear of being abducted for doing their jobs.
A free press is not a favour granted by government. It is a constitutional right and a pillar of democracy.
The Atheists In Kenya Society will continue to stand for freedom of expression, media freedom, human rights, constitutionalism and accountable government.
An attack on one journalist is an attack on every Kenyan’s right to know, question and speak.
- WE STAND FOR MEDIA FREEDOM.
- WE STAND FOR HUMAN RIGHTS.
- WE STAND AGAINST ABDUCTIONS.
- WE STAND FOR A FREE AND DEMOCRATIC KENYA.