Standard Group editor found safe after reported abduction

Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was found in a thicket near Masinga Dam in Machakos County on Wednesday morning, hours after he was reportedly abducted along the Gilgil–Nakuru road.

Kiprotich was found more than 200 kilometres from where the incident was said to have happened. Witnesses said he looked shaken and appeared to have injuries.

His family and colleagues had been searching for him overnight. They later received calls from a number and found Kiprotich on the line when they answered. He was taken to hospital for check-ups.

Police said they had been notified and were investigating the circumstances of the reported abduction. The motive was not immediately known.

A video said to show the incident was shared online. A person believed to be Kiprotich can be heard screaming and asking what he had done before being taken away.

The reported account said Kiprotich and his driver were blocked by another car while travelling. The people in the other car allegedly demanded that he get out.

Kiprotich had locked the car doors and windows after the vehicle ahead stopped with its hazard lights on. He was later reportedly pulled out of the vehicle and driven away.

Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita had called for Kiprotich’s immediate and safe release. He said the journalist was reportedly abducted shortly before 9:20pm while travelling to Nakuru.

The company said the incident was the second time Kiprotich had reportedly been targeted in two months. It said armed men had allegedly tried to take him from his car on June 27, 2026, as he drove to work in Nakuru, but he managed to escape after locking the vehicle and driving away.