The National Police Service (NPS) has urged shop owners in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) who recently suffered theft during protests to visit the Central Police Station to identify recovered laptops.
Recovered Laptops from Protest-Related Looting
Addressing the press on Wednesday, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga announced that four laptops were retrieved by police following the arrest of a suspect linked to a gang accused of looting shops during Tuesday’s demonstrations.
“NPS wishes to clarify that during recent protests, multiple shops in Nairobi’s CBD were broken into, and various items were stolen. Police officers arrested one suspect and recovered four laptops, which are currently in safe custody,” Nyaga explained.
Appeal to Shop Owners
The police have encouraged any business owners who lost laptops to visit the Central Police Station to identify and claim the recovered items. “We urge affected shop owners to come forward and verify if the recovered laptops belong to them,” Nyaga added.
Investigation Underway
Nyaga assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the looting. He reaffirmed the NPS’s commitment to restoring law and order in the CBD during and after protests.
Viral Video Sparks Public Interest
The recovery of the laptops comes after a viral video circulated on social media showing a police officer carrying laptops during the chaotic protests. The footage depicted the officer rushing to a police van and handing over the devices to another officer inside before the vehicle sped off.
This video led to mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans questioning the intentions behind the officers’ actions and the fate of the laptops.
Broader Context of the Protests
Tuesday’s protests also witnessed tragic incidents, including the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a face mask vendor, along Moi Avenue. The rogue officer responsible for the shooting has since been arrested, according to a statement by NPS.
The police also distanced themselves from a group of armed individuals seen loitering in the CBD during the demonstrations. “The Service strongly condemns and does not condone such unlawful groupings,” Nyaga emphasized.
