Alex Kiprotich, associate editor of The Standard newspaper, narrowly avoided abduction by armed men after criticizing President William Ruto.The incident occurred three days after Ruto attacked The Standard Group on social media, accusing them of spreading 'extortionist propaganda'.Kiprotich reported that assailants intercepted his car in Nakuru, but he managed to escape by locking the doors.The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for an investigation, highlighting the growing risks journalists face in Kenya.Rights groups have documented numerous abductions of government critics in recent years.

Ruto has previously acknowledged abductions but promised to stop them through an 'accountability mechanism' in 2025, though this remains unfulfilled.The police denied involvement, but the CPJ emphasized the need for authorities to protect media freedom ahead of next year's elections.This incident underscores the dangers faced by journalists in Kenya, where media criticism of the government often leads to targeted violence.