The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged kidnapping of The Standard Group’s Associate Editor, Alex Kiprotich, following reports of an incident in Gilgil.
In a press statement issued on September 2, the NPS said it had taken note of reports concerning the alleged abduction and had moved swiftly to establish what transpired.
Inspector General of Police ordered investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identity of heavily armed individuals reportedly seen ordering occupants out of their vehicle.
The NPS said its Anti-Abduction Unit, established to address cases involving abductions and disappearances, is actively investigating the matter and will work to ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
The police service also rejected what it described as a misleading and inflammatory headline published by The Standard concerning alleged police brutality. It said the headline was unsupported by evidence and risked undermining public confidence in the police.
The NPS, however, reaffirmed that it is committed to constitutional protections, press freedom and accountability, stressing that allegations of police misconduct are subject to investigation and oversight.
“All allegations of police brutality are, as required by law, promptly referred to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for impartial investigation,” the statement said.
The service said it cooperates with IPOA, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary, and maintained that officers found culpable would face justice.
The NPS condemned kidnapping, abduction and intimidation, saying such acts threaten the lives, liberty and security of Kenyans and cannot be tolerated.