The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) views with grave concern the abduction and ordeal of Standard Group Associate Editor, Alex Kiprotich, who was intercepted along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway by armed men on the night of September 1, abducted, and dumped hours later near Masinga Dam.
We join his family and the Standard Group team, led by CEO Chaacha Mwita, in relief at his safe return. However, this points to a worrying pattern of intimidation. The interrogation about editorial processes makes clear this was an attack on journalistic work. This is the second reported attempt on Kiprotich’s life this year. In June, armed men similarly tried to seize him as he drove to work. Reports indicate that his captors interrogated him specifically about the Standard Group’s news gathering processes and editorial decision-making. This pattern demands scrutiny.
This incident is not a one off. It forms part of a troubling pattern of harassment, intimidation, and violence directed at journalists and content creators in Kenya, particularly when reporting on sensitive issues or during politically charged periods. Journalists continue to face arrests, physical attacks, and threats for simply doing their work.
We note the recent landmark Court of Appeal decision of March 2026, a case BAKE itself brought, which struck down Sections 22 and 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act as unconstitutional. The court rightly recognized that broad, vague laws criminalizing “false information” could be weaponized to silence legitimate journalism and public discourse. Yet the physical threat to journalists appears to persist outside the courtroom.
We call upon the Government of Kenya to:
- Order an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the abduction of Alex Kiprotich, with a view to identifying and prosecuting all those responsible.
- Respect and uphold media rights and freedoms of association as guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
- Ensure the protection of journalists in the lead-up to, during, and after elections, recognizing their critical role as watchdogs and purveyors of accurate information to citizens.
- Cease all forms of interference, harassment, and intimidation against media professionals and civil society.
We remind the government that attacks on journalists are attacks on the public’s right to know. A democracy cannot thrive when those who inform the public live in fear. BAKE will continue to advocate for a safe and enabling environment for all content creators, bloggers, and journalists in Kenya.
About BAKE
The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) is a community organization for Kenyan bloggers and online content creators. Founded in 2011, BAKE’s primary mission is to promote online content creation and digital rights in Kenya.
Media contact
Abigael Diana – abigael@bake.or.ke