NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement to clarify a viral video that depicts a uniformed police officer carrying laptops in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) during Tuesday’s protests.
In its statement released on Wednesday, the NPS sought to allay concerns that the officer might have stolen the laptops.
The items were reportedly looted from shops that had been broken into by individuals described as “goons” during the demonstrations, which were called to demand justice following the murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Police confirmed that the officer seen in the video was part of the security team dispatched to manage the protests.
The NPS stated that the laptops in question were taken to the Central Police Station after the suspect who allegedly stole them was apprehended.
Meanwhile, The National Police Service (NPS) has officially confirmed the interdiction of two officers linked to the shooting of Boniface Kariuki during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi. The move signifies a step towards accountability as investigations into the incident continue.
In a statement, the NPS identified the interdicted officers as Police Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Police Constable Duncan Kiprono.
The service announced that both officers have been formally interdicted and are currently being processed by the Homicide Team at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters.
Boniface Kariuki, a city hawker, was shot while he was selling face masks amidst demonstrations in the Nairobi city centre.
These protests were part of an ongoing public demand for justice following the death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody at Central Police Station.
The NPS acknowledged the incident, stating: “The National Police Service deeply regrets this act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served.”
Kariuki is currently recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after undergoing emergency surgery. On Wednesday, KNH had confirmed his critical condition, noting that he remains under close observation.
KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Sigilai earlier provided details of Kariuki’s severe injuries, explaining that he had been referred from a city clinic.
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“Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency Centre, he was critically ill with a wound on the left side of his head, resulting in bleeding and severe injury,” Sigilai had stated.
He further added that a medical team led by Dr. Janet Sugut successfully stabilized Kariuki and placed him on life support. A CT scan subsequently revealed a bullet lodged in the left side of his head.
At 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, a multidisciplinary team, spearheaded by neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru, performed an emergency operation that lasted approximately two hours. During the intricate procedure, an object believed to be a bullet was successfully removed.
Following the surgery, Kariuki was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he continues to receive continuous medical care and remains under close monitoring by a team of specialists.
KNH confirmed that despite his critical status, he is alive.
