The National Police Service (NPS) has responded to growing public concern after officers were captured on video carrying laptops allegedly looted during protests in Nairobi’s central business district on June 17, 2025. The footage, widely circulated online, showed police officers boarding a Land Cruiser with several laptops, raising questions about their involvement in the theft.
In an official statement released a day later, NPS confirmed that four laptops had indeed been recovered in the aftermath of the protests. According to the police, one suspect had been apprehended in connection with the incident. The recovered laptops are currently being held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi as part of ongoing investigations.
The police urged business owners whose premises were broken into during the protests to visit the station and identify any recovered property. Authorities emphasized their commitment to identifying and apprehending all individuals involved in the criminal activities that took place amid the demonstrations. They reiterated their obligation to protect life and property, despite the controversies surrounding recent police conduct.
The protests, which were sparked by economic grievances and allegations of state mismanagement, escalated into confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement. As tensions rose, several businesses were looted and extensive damage reported in parts of the CBD.
Public scrutiny intensified further after a separate video emerged showing an anti-riot officer shooting an unarmed street vendor at close range. The victim, a 22-year-old mask seller named Boniface Kariuki, sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery. He remains in the intensive care unit, though doctors report his condition as stable.
The victim’s father spoke emotionally outside the hospital, describing his son as a hardworking young man who hawks masks in the city to support himself and his family. He expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the incident, stating that raising Boniface had been a struggle and that the shooting had left the family devastated.
Following public outrage and mounting calls for accountability, NPS confirmed that the officer responsible for the shooting had been arrested and would face charges in court. The police pledged to ensure due process is followed and that justice is served in accordance with the law.
These incidents have reignited national debate on police brutality and the use of force during public demonstrations. Human rights groups and citizens alike are demanding transparency and meaningful reforms within the police service to prevent future abuses and restore public trust in law enforcement.
