Fresh claims have emerged surrounding the reported arrest and abduction of Standard Media Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleging that the journalist was targeted over an investigative story he was preparing on compensation for Mau Forest evictees.
In a strongly worded statement directed at Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Gachagua claimed Kiprotich had been preparing an exposé detailing alleged irregularities in the compensation of thousands of Mau Forest evictees from the Kipsigis community.
According to Gachagua, the journalist was investigating claims that millions of shillings intended for affected families had allegedly been diverted through brokers and proxies, leaving some evictees without their expected compensation.
Gachagua further alleged that a late-night meeting was held at State House on Monday involving President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, during which Kiprotich’s planned story was allegedly discussed.
He claimed that following the meeting, senior security officials were instructed to place the journalist under surveillance and prevent the exposé from being published.
Gachagua alleged that a team subsequently abducted Kiprotich but later abandoned an alleged plan to kill him after the incident was captured and attracted widespread public attention.
The former Deputy President also questioned Kanja’s announcement of investigations into the incident, arguing that previous investigations into controversial killings and attacks had failed to produce publicly known findings.
“Before you order investigations into the abduction of Alex, kindly first release the findings of the previous investigations you ordered,” Gachagua said.
He further accused senior officials within the security establishment of exercising influence over sections of the National Police Service, allegations that raise serious questions requiring independent verification.
Gachagua did not publicly provide evidence substantiating several of the allegations contained in his statement.
