Armed Men Allegedly Attempt to Abduct Standard Group Editor in Nakuru
He described the situation as unfair to workers and accused the media house of pursuing what he called “extortion gangsterism.”
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich reportedly escaped an attempted abduction by four armed men in Nakuru County early Saturday, according to the media organization, in an incident that comes days after President William Ruto publicly criticized the company’s editorial coverage.
In a statement, Standard Group said four armed men traveling in a Toyota Probox allegedly attempted to abduct Kiprotich during the early hours of June 27.
“Four armed men in a Toyota Probox attempt to abduct Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Nakuru early Saturday, days after President Ruto criticised the media house’s news coverage,” the company said.
The circumstances surrounding the reported incident remain unclear. It was not immediately established whether the matter had been formally reported to police or whether any suspects had been arrested by the time of publication.
The alleged attempted abduction follows an escalating public dispute between President Ruto and Standard Group over the company’s reporting on his administration.
On June 24, the President accused Standard Group owner Gideon Moi of using the newspaper’s coverage to pressure his government. In a post on his official X account, Ruto claimed the media house had persistently published negative headlines about his administration in an attempt to blackmail him.
He said the coverage would not force his government to yield to what he described as greed and extortion, adding that Kenya belongs to all its citizens and not any individual or institution.
The President renewed his criticism a day later, alleging that Standard Group employees had gone for months without salaries while the company’s owner cited financial difficulties. He described the situation as unfair to workers and accused the media house of pursuing what he called “extortion gangsterism.”
Standard Group rejected the allegations, saying its newsroom operates independently and that its editorial decisions are made without influence from any individual or public office.
The company said it would continue reporting on issues of public interest, including governance and leadership, in line with its journalistic mandate.
It also stated that the government owes the company KSh1.2 billion in unpaid advertising and other obligations, arguing that the outstanding debt has affected its operations.
Following the President’s remarks, Standard Group said it would hold the government responsible for any harm or damage suffered by the company or its employees.
There was no immediate comment from the National Police Service regarding Saturday’s reported attempted abduction.
The incident is likely to heighten concerns among press freedom advocates over the safety of journalists and the broader relationship between the media and the government.
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