NAIROBI, Kenya — The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered a swift internal investigation into an incident in Nandi Hills, Nandi County, where police officers were captured on closed‑circuit television (CCTV) violently assaulting young men who were playing pool, prompting widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.
The incident, which appears to have occurred on the night of January 10, 2026, was captured in an approximately eight‑minute surveillance video that began circulating on social media in recent days.
In the footage, a group of at least 10 uniformed police officers, believed to be attached to Nandi Hills Police Station, storm a local pool hall where young men were engaging in a recreational game.
The officers are seen ordering the youths to lie face down before physically assaulting them with batons and demanding their identification documents.
According to the National Police Service statement, the Inspector General has instructed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to conduct a comprehensive probe into the matter and submit a report within three days.
The investigation will examine allegations of human rights violations, abuse of power and assault by the officers involved. “Any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal action,” the police service said in a statement.
The CCTV footage has ignited a national flashpoint, with citizens and leaders expressing shock and dismay over what many describe as excessive and unjustified use of force by officers meant to protect the public.
PRESS STATEMENT : CONDEMNATION OF POLICE MISCONDUCT AND REAFFIRMATION OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Public and Political Reaction
Local and national figures have condemned the incident, urging rapid action and accountability. Nandi Hills Senator Samson Cherargei has publicly called for the immediate interdiction and suspension of the officers involved to pave the way for independent investigations.
Cherargei stressed on social media that playing pool is not an offence under Kenyan law, and the conduct shown in the video represents a breach of professional standards and constitutional rights.
Similarly, lawyer Willis Otieno demanded transparency from the Nandi Hills police command, urging the publication of the names of officers involved and a clear outline of the steps taken to investigate and discipline them.
IPOA Investigates and Seeks Accountability
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also launched its own investigation into the matter, deploying a Rapid Investigations Team to Nandi Hills to establish the sequence of events and assess the conduct of the officers.
IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the authority had identified several victims and witnesses and was recording statements as part of its inquiry.
In its statement, IPOA denounced the use of unnecessary or unwarranted force, reaffirming its commitment to impartial inquiries and the promotion of accountability and professionalism within the National Police Service.
The authority noted that no formal complaint about the incident had been lodged before the video surfaced online and encouraged the public to report such incidents through official channels to enable timely interventions.
Calls for Transparency and Rule of Law
The Nandi County leadership has also weighed in.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang described the footage as “worrying and unacceptable,” calling it a gross violation of the constitutional rights and dignity of citizens.
He urged oversight and law enforcement authorities to act decisively and ensure transparent investigations, with those found culpable facing disciplinary or criminal action.
