The National Police Service has ordered investigations into the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road.
Kiprotich was found safe near Masinga Dam on Wednesday morning, about nine hours after armed men allegedly forced him out of his vehicle and drove away with him.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NPS said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had ordered immediate investigations into the incident.
The police said investigators will establish what happened and identify the heavily armed individuals who were reportedly seen ordering occupants out of their vehicle.
The NPS Anti-Abduction Unit is handling the investigation and will work to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“The NPS treats kidnapping and abduction with the utmost seriousness,” the Service said.
The police statement came after The Standard published a headline on alleged police brutality, which the NPS described as “misleading, inflammatory, and unsupported by evidence.”
The Service said it was concerned that such reporting could undermine public confidence in the police and urged the media to verify facts before publication.
At the same time, the NPS said it does not shield its officers from accountability.
“All allegations of police brutality are, as required by law, promptly referred to IPOA for impartial investigation,” the statement said.
The Service said it would cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary in handling any cases of misconduct.
It also condemned any attempt to intimidate or interfere with journalists and other Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights.
“We unequivocally condemn any act of kidnapping, abduction, or intimidation intended to interfere with press freedom or any other constitutional right,” the NPS said.
Kiprotich was found near Masinga Dam after his abductors allegedly dumped him in the area. He sought refuge at a nearby home before colleagues searching for him located him.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of journalists in Kenya, coming just over two months after Kiprotich reportedly escaped another attempt to abduct him in Nakuru.
The NPS said the investigation will be transparent and affirmed that no one is above the law.
