Meru photographers demonstrate over series of camera thefts
By K24 Digital Reporter, October 2, 2025Photographers, videographers, and other creatives in Meru took to the streets to protest against a wave of studio break-ins that they say police and the DCI have failed to properly address.
The group claims more than five studios have been raided in recent months by the same suspects, with thieves targeting expensive equipment such as cameras, lenses, studio lighting, and editing computers.
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Speaking during the demonstration on Wednesday, October 2, 2025, Martin Mwenda said the repeated thefts are crippling the local creative industry.
“Over the past months, several studios have fallen victim. Families have lost their livelihoods, people are left repaying loans for stolen equipment, and young people are losing job opportunities,” he said.
Victims allege the thieves use master keys to discreetly access studios. They also say CCTV footage showing the culprits has been shared with authorities, but little progress has been made. Some cases date back to 2022, with stolen equipment worth millions still unrecovered.
Florida Kinya, who lost cameras, lenses, and a MacBook Pro in 2022, said her case remains unresolved despite reporting it to Meru Central Police Station.
More recently, Larry Studios reported a break-in on September 12, 2025, leaving the owner stuck with a bank loan for stolen gear. Hemedy na Hii Beat Studios, Amon Studios, and Kirimi Studios are also among those affected.
The thieves have reportedly extended their activities to nearby counties.
Today’s protest drew the attention of senior Meru security officials, who promised to open a fresh inquiry into the matter.
Eldoret theft
The Meru incident comes just a month after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended 11 theft persons of interest following an intelligence-led operation in Eldoret.
The operation spearheaded by Eldoret-based detectives resulted in the recovery of a substantial haul of stolen electronics.
According to a statement issued by the DCI, the suspects were arrested yesterday as part of an operation that targeted Petresha Building, located within Eldoret Township.
The building was suspected to house several electronic repair shops believed to be engaged in the illegal confiscation of stolen items.
Backed by officers from Eldoret Police Station, the detectives executed a raid on the premises, uncovering assorted electronics without the requisite ownership receipts.
The recovered items are reported to include a staggering 156 mobile phones, 41 laptops, 45 televisions, 25 gas cylinders, 8 refrigerators, 5 microwaves, 3 gas cookers, 3 water dispensers, 5 woofers, and 1 Canon camera. The sheer volume and variety of stolen goods indicate the magnitude of the operation under investigation.
“156 mobile phones, 41 laptops, 45 TVs, 25 gas cylinders, 8 fridges, 5 microwaves, 3 gas cookers, 3 water dispensers, 5 woofers, and 1 Canon camera were among the items recovered,” the DCI statement read in part.
Detectives noted that they will be subjected to further investigation as the authorities seek to unravel the full scope of their involvement in the electronics theft ring.
The recovered items are now being held in police custody, awaiting identification by their rightful owners.