Brian Obra appeals for help after filming equipment stolen in Westlands
By Trizer Lijondo, August 13, 2026Filmmaker Brian Obra has appealed to the public for help after his filming equipment, including camera, lighting and sound gear belonging to Nick Mutuma, was stolen from a car outside Unga House in Westlands on Sunday morning.
Obra urged anyone with information that could help recover the stolen equipment to come forward, noting that the loss has significantly affected his livelihood.
Sharing the incident on X, Obra said the equipment was stolen from a car outside Unga House. Among the items reported missing were professional cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, sound gear and other filmmaking equipment.
“Been quite an unfortunate start to the week. On Sunday morning my camera equipment and lighting equipment belonging to Nick Mutuma were stolen from the car just outside Unga House in Westlands,” Obra said.
“I’m posting this here together with the list of things that were stolen, in case you hear some shifty deals and sales ongoing around you. Please reach out to any of us.”
The incident has also opened a wider conversation about the risks Kenyan creatives face when carrying expensive equipment for work. Unlike many ordinary possessions, professional filmmaking equipment is directly connected to someone’s ability to earn a living. Losing it can therefore mean not only a significant financial loss but also disrupted work and missed opportunities.
The incident has drawn attention because, for filmmakers and content creators, such equipment is more than just expensive technology. Cameras, lenses, lights and audio equipment are essential tools of their trade and can represent a major financial investment.
For independent filmmakers and content creators, replacing such equipment can be particularly difficult. Professional cameras and lenses can cost hundreds of thousands of shillings, while a complete production setup can run into millions.
The incident has left many creatives questioning how they can better protect their equipment while moving around Nairobi for shoots. It also highlights the importance of insurance, secure storage and greater awareness when transporting valuable production gear.
As more Kenyans turn filmmaking, photography and content creation into full-time careers, protecting professional equipment is becoming an increasingly important part of doing business.
The incident is therefore not simply about stolen cameras. It is about the financial risks behind the creative work that audiences see on their screens—and how devastating one theft can be for people whose livelihoods depend on those tools.