The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a clarification after a video showing officers carrying laptops surfaced online.
In a statement on June 17, 2025, the NPS stated that the police officers had recovered stolen items, including laptops, from suspects who had broken into several shops.
“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,” read part of the statement.
Additionally, the NPS has called on anyone whose premises were broken into and had laptops stolen to visit the station to identify the recovered items.
According to NPS, investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in criminal activities during the protests.
The authority also assured the public of its commitment to upholding its mandate of protecting life and property.
NPS Issues Clarification
In the video circulating online, officers carrying laptops after hired goons were seen carrying laptops from a shop in Nairobi’s CBD.
This sparked public criticism, with many accusing the police officers of joining looters in vandalizing and stealing from shops.
Others said the viral video showed that police officers could not be trusted.
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Passaris Defends Police Officers
Earlier on Wednesday, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris came out to defend the police officers seen carrying laptops before boarding a nearby van along Moi Avenue in the CBD.
Passaris said she had spoken with the Nairobi Police Commander, who assured her that the items carried by the officers are currently in police custody, refuting the claim that the officers stole the items alongside the goons.
“Nation Media, your headline saying ‘police leave with laptops’ is misleading. The right word is ‘recovered,’ not ‘leave.’ Let’s report facts, not fuel mistrust,” the Nairobi Woman Representative said.
Also Read: National Police on Spot as Video Shows Officers Carrying Laptops from a Shop
Goons Destroy Properties
Goons hijacked what had initially been peaceful protests on June 17, 2025, turning the demonstrations into scenes of chaos and destruction.
Shops were broken into, property was vandalized, and valuable goods looted while several individuals were robbed in the broad daylight.
The NPS has stated that several suspects have been arrested and that investigations are ongoing
