A viral video that triggered fears of daylight robberies on the Nairobi Expressway has come under investigation, with detectives now saying preliminary findings show that no robbery took place.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kilimani have identified and questioned the people seen in the footage, including Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who was portrayed as the alleged victim.
The DCI said statements had been recorded from those involved as investigators work to establish what happened and how the video came to be widely circulated.
“Further inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the event and circulation of the video, and to document all relevant facts, remain ongoing,” the DCI said.
The investigation follows the widespread circulation of images and video on social media on Friday showing several people gathered around vehicles on the Expressway. The footage led to claims that a group of criminals had intercepted motorists and robbed them in broad daylight.
Investigators have since established that the vehicles shown belonged to Karauri’s delegation, which had just returned from a meeting.
Karauri later took to Facebook to explain that the people captured in the footage were members of his delegation and that the vehicles had stopped briefly to allow some members of the group to change cars before proceeding with their journey.
The clarification came after the footage had already generated concern among members of the public, with the apparent scene of people surrounding vehicles raising questions about the safety of motorists using the busy road.
The incident has also highlighted how quickly footage shared online can take on a different meaning when its original context is unclear, particularly where claims involve crime and security.
The Nairobi Expressway is a 27.1-kilometre controlled-access road running from Mlolongo to James Gichuru Road through Nairobi. It has 11 interchanges and was built to offer motorists a faster route across the capital while helping reduce congestion on other major roads.
The road is also fitted with a wide surveillance network. Documents from the Kenya National Highways Authority indicate that 94 cameras have been installed at 41 locations along the Expressway, including high-definition and automatic number-plate recognition cameras.
The viral claims emerged at a time when concerns over attacks targeting motorists in Nairobi and its surrounding areas remain a major public issue. Separate reports circulated on Friday about alleged gangs targeting motorists, while images showing people apparently surrounding vehicles on the Expressway further fueled fears.
The conflicting accounts have increased the need for careful verification before footage is shared as evidence of criminal activity.
The DCI has asked members of the public to stop circulating claims that have not been verified and instead provide information that could help investigators establish the facts.
“Members of the public are advised not to circulate unverified claims and to forward information that can assist the investigations to the nearest police station or through #FichuaKwaDCI Toll-free No. 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!” the agency said.
The agency said its detectives were looking into both the events captured in the footage and the subsequent spread of the video online.
Karauri has not been identified by the DCI as a suspect in any offence. Instead, investigators have named him as the person presented in the footage as the alleged victim.
The Kasarani MP, who was elected in 2022, is also a businessman and has expressed interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial race ahead of the 2027 General Election. His political standing has added attention to the viral footage after his name became linked to the alleged incident.
Karauri has previously responded to claims circulated on social media. In February 2026, he dismissed separate online allegations involving an alleged compromising video and challenged those making the claims to produce the material.
The latest controversy comes as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 General Election, a period when videos and claims shared on social media can quickly shape public views on political figures, security and events.
For now, the DCI is continuing with its inquiries as it seeks to establish the full circumstances behind the Expressway incident and the circulation of the footage.
Members of the public who have credible information have been urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the DCI anonymously through 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.