National Police Service denies cops looted laptops, says officers were recovering exhibits

The National Police Service (NPS) has responded to a viral video showing police officers carrying laptops during the recent protests in Nairobi.

In a statement shared via their official social media platforms, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that one suspect had been arrested and four laptops recovered.

“NPS wishes to clarify that following recent protests in Nairobi, several shops were broken into and various items were stolen. Police officers arrested one suspect and recovered four laptops, which are now in safe custody as exhibits at the Central Police Station, Nairobi,” the statement read in part.

The NPS further appealed to any business owners whose premises were raided during the demonstrations to come forward and help identify the stolen items.

PRESS STATEMENT : CLARIFICATION ON FOOTAGE SHOWING A POLICE OFFICER HOLDING LAPTOPS pic.twitter.com/Q7OGChp78p

— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) June 18, 2025

“We therefore urge anyone whose premises were broken into and had laptops stolen to visit the station to identify the recovered items. Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the criminal activities during the protests,” the statement concluded.

The video in question captured an armed police officer carrying laptops from a shop into a police Land Cruiser during anti-government protests that called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, following the death of protester Albert Ojwang’.

The laptops were reportedly looted from an electronics shop in Nairobi’s CBD by unidentified individuals during the chaos.

In the footage, the officer is seen handing the laptops to a colleague waiting inside the police vehicle, which then drove off, raising public concern over the officers’ intentions and the fate of the recovered items.

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The incident prompted Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris to issue a statement defending the police, which then drew criticism from the public.

In an X post, Passaris said she had spoken to Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda, who assured her that the laptops were not stolen by police but had been recovered and secured.

“Just spoke to the Regional Police Commandant Nairobi, Mr. Seda. The laptops looted from the electronics shop were recovered and are safely in police custody,” Passaris posted.

Her remarks sparked backlash online, especially after multiple videos circulated showing officers carrying laptops into police vehicles.