Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs Peter Mbae has warned the government against intimidating the media following the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.
Mbae said journalists should be allowed to investigate and report on matters involving powerful individuals and public institutions without fear.
Kiprotich was found safe in the Masinga area of Machakos County on Wednesday morning, about nine hours after armed men reportedly intercepted the vehicle he was travelling in along the Gilgil-Nakuru road.
His employer said he had been taken more than 200 kilometres from the place where he was allegedly abducted.
Mbae claimed that Kiprotich had been working on a story about evictions in the Mau Forest and allegations of land grabbing before the incident. However, he did not provide evidence linking the story to the alleged abduction.
The politician stressed that journalists should not be blamed for exposing issues affecting the public.
He said the media plays an important role by investigating matters that ordinary citizens may not have the resources or access to pursue.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of journalists in Kenya and the state of media freedom.
The National Police Service has denied involvement in the incident and said its Anti-Abduction Unit is investigating the identities of the people involved.
The Media Council of Kenya and the Media Owners Association have also called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Rights groups have warned that targeting journalists could undermine freedom of expression and the public’s right to access information.
Mbae’s warning comes as pressure grows on authorities to establish who was behind Kiprotich’s alleged abduction and why he was targeted.
