Summary: The publisher of Kenya’s leading independent weekly newspaper has confirmed that its editor was abducted from his home by armed men, in an attack the publisher says bears the hallmarks of state involvement. The abduction of Mwenda Kithinji, editor of The Daily Star, occurred in the capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday evening, and has triggered immediate alarm from press freedom groups. The publisher, who asked not to be named for security reasons, stated that the men, who appeared to be plainclothes officers, did not identify themselves or provide a warrant. This incident follows a documented pattern of escalating pressure on critical media in Kenya, particularly targeting outlets and journalists perceived as being critical of the current administration.
What Happened
According to the employer, Mwenda Kithinji was taken from his residence in the Nairobi suburb of Karen by a group of between five and seven armed men late on Tuesday. The publisher stated that the men arrived in an unmarked vehicle, a common characteristic of state security operations. They forced entry into Kithinji’s home, where they reportedly assaulted him before bundling him into the vehicle. The men did not present any arrest warrant or provide any official identification, and they did not communicate any reason for the abduction to Kithinji or his family.
The publisher emphasized that Kithinji is a journalist of unblemished integrity who has led The Daily Star with a commitment to investigative reporting. The newspaper has recently published stories on government corruption and police misconduct. The publisher has filed a formal complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and is demanding Kithinji’s immediate and safe release. As
Source: DW News
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Story synopsis gathered from: DW News — source
