A KTN investigation has identified retired police officer Zachary Kariuki as a key suspect in the alleged abduction of Standard Media editor Alex Kiprotich, raising fresh questions about the people operating within a controversial police unit.
The investigation claims Kariuki has no formal background in investigations but has nevertheless become an influential figure in the Operations Support Unit, a secretive formation that has faced allegations of involvement in the abduction and torture of people considered critical of the government.
According to KTN, Kariuki also works as the personal driver of DCI Director Mohammed Amin.
The report further alleges that he acts as the unofficial head of the Operations Support Unit despite the position not being formally recognised.
KTN alleges that Kariuki led the team that abducted Kiprotich in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The claims add another layer to a case that has attracted widespread attention, particularly after investigators raised questions about a vehicle allegedly used during the operation.
Earlier findings reportedly connected the vehicle’s registration number to a government-owned police vehicle.
Questions were also raised after an alteration was discovered in the vehicle’s registration records held by the National Transport and Safety Authority.
The investigation suggests that Kariuki’s role as Amin’s driver may have given him access and protection while allegedly allowing him to coordinate sensitive operations linked to the unit without the level of scrutiny expected of an officially recognised police formation.
The allegations have now intensified concerns over how specialised police units operate and who is responsible for their actions.
The case has also renewed calls for closer scrutiny of the Operations Support Unit, particularly amid growing concerns about alleged abductions involving government critics.
Kariuki, Amin and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the KTN investigation at the time of reporting.
Further investigations by oversight authorities could determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence and establish who was responsible for Kiprotich’s alleged abduction.