IG Kanja orders administrative action against six senior officers over Nandi Hills pool assault

Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) Douglas Kanja ordered immediate administrative action against six senior police officers following an assault incident captured on CCTV at a pool table venue in Nandi Hills.

In a statement released on Saturday, the NPS said the decision follows investigations conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) after a disturbing video of the incident circulated online.

The footage was later confirmed to have been recorded at a pool hall within Nandi Hills.

The IG accepted the findings and recommendations of the IAU, directing disciplinary action against local commanders deemed responsible for oversight failures within their jurisdictions.

The officers facing administrative action are the Sub-County Police Commander (OCPD) for Tinderet, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for Songoh, the OCS for Nandi Hills, the Officer in Charge of RDU Songoh Camp, the Officer in Charge of GSU Songoh Camp, and the Officer in Charge of ASTU Songoh Camp.

According to the NPS, the action deliberately targets local commanders to reinforce accountability for all conduct occurring under their command.

The Service emphasized that there will be zero tolerance for misconduct by police officers.

“The Inspector General reiterates that every officer bears a solemn duty as a custodian of public safety, security, and property. This obligation must be discharged with professionalism and responsibility at all times,” the statement said.

The NPS expressed regret over the incident and extended its sympathies to the victims, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that all illegal acts are firmly dealt with in accordance with the law.

The police authorities did not state what actions will be taken on the officers who were caught on camera assaulting the group at the pool room.

The statement was signed by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

The incident drew condemnation with many calling for action on those behind the same.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) also condemned the incident, confirming that it had dispatched a Rapid Response Investigation Team to Nandi Hills to establish the circumstances surrounding the assault.

The authority reiterated that any officers found to have acted unlawfully would be dealt with in line with its mandate.