Newly surfaced footage appears to show police officers interacting with suspected looters before the Quickmart OTC branch was ransacked, contradicting official statements linking protesters to the crime.
Nairobi, Kenya – A viral video has sparked outrage after allegedly capturing police officers in conversation with criminal gangs moments before the looting of a Quickmart supermarket at the OTC branch during recent protests.
The footage, widely shared on social media, appears to contradict police claims that anti-government demonstrators were responsible for the break-in. Instead, it shows law enforcement officers near the store as looters—some seemingly in coordination with them—descended on the supermarket.
What Does the Video Show?
The clip, filmed by journalists at the scene, reveals a heavy police presence around the Quickmart OTC outlet before the looting began. However, rather than dispersing the crowd, officers are seen engaging with individuals later identified as part of the looting gangs.
At one point, police appear to step aside, allowing the looters to enter the supermarket unchallenged. Shelves were stripped bare, and the store was left in ruins—a scene that officials had initially blamed on protesters rallying against the Finance Bill 2024.
Contradictions in Official Statements
Authorities had previously insisted that the destruction was carried out by “criminal elements” within the protest movement. Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome had condemned the violence, vowing arrests.
But the new footage has raised serious questions about police conduct. Human rights groups and activists now accuse law enforcement of either colluding with criminals or deliberately failing to intervene.
“This wasn’t just a failure to act—it looks like active complicity,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International Kenya. “If officers allowed looting, they must be held accountable.”
Public Outrage and Demands for Accountability
Kenyans on social media have expressed fury, with many accusing the police of framing peaceful protesters to justify a crackdown.
“First, they gaslight us, saying protesters were thieves. Now we see police standing with actual looters. Who do we trust?” tweeted activist Boniface Mwangi.
The Quickmart management has yet to comment on the video but previously reported millions in losses from the incident.
What Happens Next?
Calls for an independent investigation are growing, with opposition leaders demanding parliamentary scrutiny.
“The government cannot whitewash this,” said Senator Edwin Sifuna. “If police were involved, heads must roll.”
As pressure mounts, the National Police Service has promised to review the footage, but skeptics doubt internal probes will yield transparency.
For now, the video has deepened distrust in law enforcement—and left many wondering: Who really looted Quickmart?
