IPOA Deploys Rapid Team to Probe Police Assault Captured on CCTV in Nandi Hills
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has issued an update on investigations into a viral CCTV video that shows armed police officers assaulting young men who were playing pool in Nandi Hills Town, Nandi County.
According to IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, the incident occurred on Sunday night, January 10, at around 11:50 pm.
The CCTV footage shows at least 10 armed police officers from Nandi Hills Police Station, 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 demand identification documents.
During the assault, the officers are heard instructing the victims to place their identification cards in their mouths while questioning why they were out late at night. The beating lasts several minutes before the officers leave, ordering the men to remain lying on the floor.
“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.