NANDI, Kenya — Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has joined Kenyans in condemning what he termed blatant police brutality after officers from Nandi Hills Police Station were captured on CCTV assaulting young men who were playing pool late at night.
In a statement, Owino said the incident, which occurred at around 11:51 pm on January 10, amounted to a gross violation of the Constitution and an abuse of police power.
In the viral CCTV footage, police can be seen brutally beating young men who were playing pool in Nandi.
They can also be heard demanding for the Identity Cards.
“Weka ID kwa mdomo,” the officers could be heard barking orders.
The Nairobi Gubernatorial seat aspirant has called for swift action against the rogue police officers, sentiments echoed by Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei.
“I am deeply disturbed by the incident that occurred in Nandi, where police officers violently assaulted young men whose only ‘crime’ was playing pool. Let it be stated clearly: playing a game is not a crime,” Owino said.
The lawmaker argued that the assault reflected a dangerous trend of criminalising ordinary social activities, particularly among young people, despite there being no law prohibiting playing games at night or requiring citizens to carry national identity cards at all times.
“Our youth are already going through a lot in this country. For many of them, engaging in games is not just leisure, but a positive way to keep themselves occupied, avoid crime, and build talent,” he said.
Today in the morning I want to strongly condemn these acts of police brutality , criminality and abuse of human rights perpetuated by police officers in Nandi hills Town, Nandi county to peace loving youth who their only mistake was play pool game which is NOT an offence in any
Owino warned that such actions by law enforcement risk undermining efforts to nurture youth potential, noting that games and sports have historically produced global champions and created life-changing opportunities for many Kenyans.
He faulted the officers for acting outside the law, stressing that even where an offence is suspected, police officers are not permitted to act as arresting officers, prosecutors, and judges simultaneously.
“Kenya is a constitutional democracy founded on the principle of presumption of innocence. Every Kenyan is innocent until proven guilty. Brutality and violence have no place in law enforcement,” he said.
The MP demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officers involved in the assault, insisting that accountability must be enforced to deter future abuses.
“WE DEMAND THE IMMEDIATE ARREST OF THE OFFICERS INVOLVED, AND THEY SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH ASSAULT,” Owino stated.
The CCTV footage circulating online shows uniformed officers storming a pool establishment in Nandi Hills town, ordering the youths to lie on the floor before subjecting them to slaps and baton blows over several minutes.
The incident has reignited national debate over police conduct and the treatment of young people, coming amid growing scrutiny of the National Police Service over allegations of excessive force and human rights violations.
Article 244 of the Constitution requires the National Police Service to strive for professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights, and strong relationships with the public.
Owino said Kenyan youths deserve dignity, protection, and opportunity, not violence at the hands of those mandated to protect them.
