NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that its officers looted property during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, saying a viral video showing an officer holding several laptops is being misinterpreted.
In a statement released Wednesday, NPS said the laptops had been recovered during an operation in the aftermath of widespread looting in the city centre.
The items, they added, were retrieved following the arrest of a suspect and are currently being held as exhibits at Central Police Station.
“The National Police Service has not stolen any property. The laptops seen in the video are part of items recovered from break-ins that occurred during the protests,” said Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga. “We urge anyone whose premises were broken into and lost laptops to visit the station for identification.”
PRESS STATEMENT : CLARIFICATION ON FOOTAGE SHOWING A POLICE OFFICER HOLDING LAPTOPS
This comes after footage surfaced online showing a uniformed police officer walking through the streets with what appeared to be four laptops, triggering public backlash and allegations of theft by law enforcement officers.
While acknowledging that several businesses were vandalised during the protests, the NPS said investigations are ongoing to apprehend all individuals involved in the criminal acts.
“The NPS remains committed to its constitutional duty to protect life and property,” the statement added, even as human rights groups and observers raised concerns over the conduct of some officers during the demonstrations.
Tuesday’s protests — sparked by concerns over the Finance Bill 2025 — descended into chaos in parts of Nairobi, with reports of looting, injuries, and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The police service has come under increasing scrutiny in recent days, with civil society organisations accusing officers of excessive force and collusion with violent groups during the unrest.
The video of the officer with laptops added to the controversy, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability in police operations.
Police have called on members of the public with information about the break-ins to assist in ongoing investigations.
Anti-riot police leave with laptops stolen from an electronics shop by goons
