IG Kanja orders probe into alleged kidnapping of Standard Group editor
Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered investigations into the alleged kidnapping of a Standard Group associate editor, Alex Kiprotich, in Gilgil.
The move follows reports concerning the alleged incident, with the NPS saying it had taken the matter seriously and directed its Anti-Abduction Unit to establish what transpired.
In a press statement dated September 2, 2026, Director Corporate Communication/Spokesperson National Police Service (NPS) Muchiri Nyaga said Kanja has directed immediate investigations into the Gilgil incident.
Nyaga said the Anti-Abduction Unit, which handles cases involving abductions and disappearances, was already investigating the matter.
“The Inspector General of Police has accordingly ordered immediate investigations to determine what transpired, including the identity of the heavily armed individuals reportedly seen ordering occupants out of their vehicle,” Nyaga said.
Nyaga said police treat kidnapping and abduction as serious offences because they threaten the lives, liberty and security of Kenyans.
Kiprotich, who had been abducted by armed men along the Gilgil–Nakuru road on Tuesday night was found alive in a thicket in Masinga area, Machakos County, police and witnesses said.
Separately, NPS rejected what it described as a misleading and unsupported headline published by The Standard concerning alleged police brutality.
The Service said the headline was “misleading, inflammatory, and unsupported by evidence,” and warned against reporting that could undermine public confidence in the police.
The NPS responded to reports of alleged police brutality, saying allegations against its officers are referred to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for investigation.
The Service said it does not shield officers from accountability and cooperates with IPOA, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Judiciary.
The NPS cited IPOA’s 2024/2025 Annual Report, which it said indicates that 262 cases involving police officers were pending before the courts, with 42 officers convicted since the oversight authority was established.
“We assure the public that every allegation of misconduct is treated with the utmost seriousness, investigated thoroughly and expeditiously, and any officer found culpable is brought to justice without fear, favour, or delay,” Nyaga said.
The police also addressed concerns about the relationship between the Service and the media.
The NPS said police officers and journalists are partners in serving the public interest and condemned any act of kidnapping, abduction or intimidation intended to interfere with press freedom or other constitutional rights.