Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is now calling for the immediate investigations into the dramatic abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to book.
In a lengthy post on his X handle on Friday, September 4 morning, Governor Natembeya says that Kenyans cannot afford to watch what is happening in the country and remain silent.
Latest reports indicate that on Tuesday, September 1, armed men trailed Kiprotich all the way from Nairobi. They unsuccessfully made multiple failed attempts to overtake and intercept his vehicle along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway before finally executing their ambush at the Gilgil Weighbridge. He was found dumped near Masinga Dam in Machakos County nine hours after his abduction.
According to Natembeya, this incident should shock the conscience of every Kenyan.
“This was not only an attack on an individual; it raises a much bigger question about the safety of journalists and the freedom of the media in our country,” the county boss says. “If a journalist can be taken in such a dramatic manner, what message are we sending to every reporter, editor and ordinary Kenyan who dares to question power?”
A section of Kenyans and leaders allied to the opposition are now blaming the recent abductions witnessed in the country to a clandestine police unit that is cracking down on government dissent, with Natembeya insisting that freedom of the media, freedom of expression are fundamental contitutional rights, and not a favour from the government.
“His Excellency the President promised that abductions would stop. Kenyans deserve to see that promise honoured not only in words, but in action… If a journalist publishes something you dislike, answer with facts, not force. If a citizen criticises you, answer them politically not through intimidation, disappearance or fear.”
Natembeya insists that the “transparent and independent” investigation should categorically find out who targeted Kiprotich, who authorised or facilitated the abduction. “…whoever is responsible must face the law, regardless of their position or institution.”
He adds: “Kenya cannot become a country where journalists look over their shoulders before doing their work, where young people fear expressing themselves, or where families fear a knock on the door at night. This is bigger than politics. It is about the soul of our democracy.”
Murkomen’s order
Natembeya’s statement comes hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the abduction of the journalist, calling for speedy investigations to establish those behind the incident.
Describing the incident as barbaric, CS Murkomen maintained that anyone found to have been involved should face the full force of the law.
“It is barbaric for whoever executed such a thing. They must face the full force of the law,” Murkomen said on Thursday, September 3 while in Elgeyo Marakwet, calling for probe to be expedited to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Murkomen also assured journalists that the government was committed to protecting journalists and ensuring they could carry out their duties safely.
“As the Interior CS, I want to assure all journalists that I am a stakeholder of journalists. I have been a big beneficiary of working together with them,” Murkomen said.
