The National Police Service (NPS) has responded to public outcry and viral social media footage showing a police officer carrying laptops during Tuesday’s anti-government protests in Nairobi.
In a press statement issued by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the police clarified that the laptops were not looted by officers but were in fact recovered property following break-ins reported during the demonstrations.”Following yesterday 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.” The statement read
The statement comes amid growing public concern and accusations from demonstrators that officers were engaging in theft under the cover of dispersing protestors.
The footage of a uniformed officer carrying multiple laptops had sparked outrage online, with many Kenyans questioning the integrity of police conduct during the unrest.
NPS has called on business owners whose premises may have been looted to report to the Central Police Station to identify the recovered laptops.
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects involved in the looting.”The National Police Service remains committed to upholding its mandate of protecting life and property,” statement read
