A senior journalist at The Standard Group, Alex Kiprotich, narrowly escaped an attempted abduction by armed men days after President William Ruto criticized his media outlet.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Kenyan authorities to investigate the incident, highlighting the growing risks journalists face in Kenya.Kiprotich was intercepted in Nakuru by three armed men in a Toyota Probox, a vehicle linked to police intelligence units.He locked his car doors and fled, later reporting the incident to police.Ruto had recently criticized The Standard Group for publishing 'extortionist propaganda' against his administration.This follows a surge in abductions of government critics in Kenya, with no perpetrators held accountable.Rights groups warn of a decline in press freedom, as political tensions escalate ahead of 2027 elections.

The police spokesperson denied involvement, but the CPJ called for transparency and justice, stressing the need to protect media freedom amid political pressures.