Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued an ultimatum to the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to investigate an incident in which armed police officers were caught on CCTV assaulting young men who were playing pool in Nandi Hills town, Nandi County.
Kanja directed the unit to begin investigations immediately after the video circulated widely on social media.
In a statement released on Friday, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Service is deeply concerned about the footage, which shows alleged serious misconduct by officers from Nandi Hills Police Station.
“A preliminary review indicates that the incident occurred on January 10, 2026,” Muchiri said.
The CCTV footage, recorded at 11:50 pm, shows at least 10 armed police officers, some carrying guns and rungus, storming a room where several young men were playing pool.
The officers are seen ordering the youths to lie flat on the ground before beating them as they demanded identification documents. During the assault, the officers allegedly forced the victims to place their IDs in their mouths while questioning why they were out late at night. The beating lasted several minutes before the officers left, instructing the men to remain on the floor.
Muchiri said the National Police Service strongly condemns the conduct captured in the video.
“The behaviour depicted is barbaric and has no place in a civilised society. It violates the National Police Service Act, the Police Code of Conduct, and fundamental human rights and dignity,” he said.
He added that the Inspector General has personally viewed the footage and ordered a swift and thorough investigation.
“The Internal Affairs Unit has been given three days to finalise its investigations. Any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal action,” Muchiri said.
The National Police Service assured the public that the incident does not reflect the values and standards of the Service.
“To all officers, service to the people must always be courteous, respectful, and professional. Any conduct short of this will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) issued its update on its investigation into the incident.
According to IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, the incident occurred on Sunday night, January 10, at around 11:50 pm.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has taken cognisance of a video circulating on social media that allegedly depicts police officers assaulting a group of young men who were engaged in a game of pool in Nandi Hills, Nandi County, on the night of January 10, 2026,” Hassan said.
He added that the incident occurred within Nandi Hills Town and also affected nearby establishments, including bars and hotels. IPOA has since identified and contacted several victims and witnesses.
Hassan noted that no formal complaint had been filed with IPOA before the video was shared online and urged members of the public to report such incidents promptly to allow for swift action.
The authority condemned the use of unnecessary and excessive force by police officers and called for calm as investigations continue, reaffirming its commitment to impartial inquiries and accountability within the National Police Service.
“To establish the facts, IPOA this morning deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to the scene to conduct thorough inquiries, assess the conduct of the officers involved, and determine culpability in line with our mandate,” Hassan said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had earlier ordered immediate investigations into the incident and directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to begin parallel inquiries.
“We do not condone such acts in the service,” Kanja said, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights, abuse of power, and assault.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang also strongly condemned the incident, calling it unlawful and unacceptable.
“Such conduct is not only unlawful and unacceptable, but also demonstrates a gross violation of the rights and dignity of citizens,” Governor Sang said.
He reminded officers that the National Police Service exists to protect the public, not to harass, intimidate, or brutalise innocent people, and urged residents to report any cases of police harassment or abuse of power.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also condemned the incident, saying the youths were assaulted despite committing no offence.
In a statement posted on X, Cherargei cited Article 244 of the Constitution, which requires the police to respect human rights, promote professionalism, and maintain good relations with the public.
“I strongly condemn these acts of police brutality against peace-loving youths whose only mistake was playing a pool game,” Cherargei said.
Babu Owino said he was deeply disturbed by the incident and warned against criminalising harmless activities by young people.
“Playing a game is not a crime. For many youths, such activities keep them engaged, away from crime, and help develop talent,” Owino said.
He added that no law requires Kenyans to carry identification documents at all times or bars people from playing games at night.
The two legislators called for the interdiction and suspension of the officers involved, as well as action against their superiors, and urged IPOA to conclude investigations with a view to prosecution.
Advocate Willis Otieno also called for transparency, saying the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nandi Hills Police Station should publicly release the names of the officers involved and confirm disciplinary action taken.
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