Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has criticized Nation Media Group for what she described as “misleading” reporting over a viral video showing police officers carrying laptops during the June 17 protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The footage sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing the police of looting an electronics shop amid the chaos. In the video, a police officer is seen hauling several laptops into a police vehicle, prompting speculation that officers were exploiting the unrest for personal gain.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, June 18, Passaris defended the police action, insisting the laptops were not stolen by officers but recovered from looters and are now in police custody.
“The Laptops Were Recovered, Not Looted” – Passaris
According to Passaris, she spoke directly to Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda, who clarified that the officers were retrieving stolen items and not participating in theft.
“I have just spoken to the Regional Police Commandant in Nairobi, Mr Seda. The laptops looted from the electronics shop were recovered and are now safely in police custody,” said Passaris.
She called out Nation Media Group, urging them to revise their framing of the incident:
“Nation Media, your headline saying ‘police leave with laptops’ is misleading. The right word is ‘recovered,’ not ‘leave.’”
The statement ignited further debate online, with some Kenyans appreciating the clarification while others accused Passaris of defending a system that has long been accused of complicity and impunity.
Video Fuels Public Distrust Amid Protest Chaos
The video in question was widely shared across social platforms, showing a police officer carrying laptops to a pickup truck filled with other uniformed officers. The clip concludes with the vehicle driving away, even as protests and chaos continued to unfold nearby.
Critics argue that the optics of uniformed officers carrying valuables during unrest—without immediate public clarification—raises legitimate concerns, especially amid growing accusations of police misconduct.
This incident happened in the same protest where an unarmed hawker was shot at close range by anti-riot police in full public view. The victim, who was selling face masks, was later admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency neurosurgery.
Police Blame Goons for Chaos, Public Remains Skeptical
In the wake of the protests, the National Police Service (NPS) blamed much of the violence and looting on “goons” who allegedly infiltrated peaceful demonstrators. These individuals were said to be armed with crude weapons such as knives and clubs and were captured on camera looting businesses and assaulting civilians.
The NPS warned that those involved in the criminal acts would be brought to book, adding that investigations were underway to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
“Such individuals will be handled firmly according to the law. Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly,” the NPS statement read.
Despite the police assurance, many Kenyans have expressed doubt about the state’s narrative, especially after opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka alleged that the so-called goons were operating under police protection.
Allegations of Collusion Between Police and Criminal Elements
A particularly alarming aspect of the June 17 protest was the visible restraint by police toward armed looters, in contrast to the aggression displayed toward peaceful protesters. This apparent double standard has led to questions about potential collusion between police officers and hired provocateurs.
“Why were the goons not tear-gassed or shot at, like the peaceful protesters were?” questioned one Nairobi-based human rights advocate.
Kenyans on social media echoed this sentiment, demanding clarity on why uniformed officers appeared passive in the face of armed criminals but violent toward civilians, including an unarmed hawker.
In the absence of immediate accountability, frustrated citizens—including boda boda riders and civilians—resorted to mob justice, reportedly apprehending and punishing several looters on the spot.
Close-Range Shooting of Hawker Sparks National Outrage
Perhaps the most disturbing moment of the protests was the close-range shooting of a hawker, who was unarmed and not actively participating in the protest. In footage reviewed by media outlets, the hawker is approached by two officers. One slaps him, the other strikes him with the butt of his gun, and then a third officer pulls the trigger.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, later confirmed the officer involved had been arrested and would face charges in court. The NPS, however, did not release the officer’s name, a move that has drawn further criticism.
Public anger over the shooting has been fueled by the memory of Albert Ojwang, a popular social media influencer who died in police custody earlier this year. His death also sparked demonstrations, with many demanding an end to police brutality in Kenya.
Growing Momentum for Nationwide Protests on June 25
As the dust settles from the June 17 demonstrations, attention is now shifting toward a planned nationwide protest on Wednesday, June 25, organized in memory of Gen Z protesters killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Civil society groups, youth movements, and political leaders have promised to return to the streets in even greater numbers. The public mood remains tense, with widespread concern that similar levels of chaos, infiltration, and police violence could recur.
Organizers are calling for peaceful protests, even as they caution demonstrators to be wary of infiltrators and to document any instances of misconduct. Meanwhile, security agencies have pledged to deploy more officers and work toward improved crowd control mechanisms.
Conclusion: Public Demands Accountability and Transparency
The Nairobi protests of June 17 have once again thrown the spotlight on the Kenyan police’s handling of civil unrest, the role of media, and the need for government transparency and accountability.
While Passaris may have sought to clarify police conduct, her statement has only added to the debate. Was it a case of misreporting by media or damage control by state allies?
What is clear is that Kenyans are demanding more than statements—they want action, accountability, and justice. With the next round of protests looming, all eyes will be on how the state responds—and whether the lessons from recent tragedies will lead to meaningful reform.