NANDI, Kenya — The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into an alleged incident of police brutality in Nandi Hills Town, Nandi County, following the circulation of a video showing officers assaulting young men during a late-night operation.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 16, IPOA said it had taken cognisance of a video circulating on social media that allegedly depicts police officers physically assaulting youths who were playing pool on the night of January 10, 2026.
According to the authority, the footage — timestamped at about 11.50 p.m. — appears to show several officers entering a room where the youths were engaged in a game of pool before subjecting them to physical assault.
“To ascertain 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 if any, in line with the IPOA mandate,” the authority said.
IPOA said preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred on January 10, 2026, within Nandi Hills Town, and affected several establishments in the area, including bars and hotels.
The authority confirmed that several victims and witnesses have already been identified and contacted, as investigations continue.
IPOA further noted that prior to the circulation of the video online, no formal complaint had been lodged regarding the incident, prompting the authority to urge members of the public to report police misconduct whenever it occurs.
Condemnation of excessive force
The oversight body strongly condemned any use of unnecessary and unwarranted force by police officers, reaffirming its commitment to impartial investigations and accountability within the National Police Service (NPS).
“The Authority condemns any use of unnecessary and unwarranted force in policing, calls for calm as it undertakes investigations, and reaffirms its commitment to impartial inquiries and the promotion of accountability and professionalism within the National Police Service,” IPOA said.
It added that further updates would be communicated upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations.
Under Article 244 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), the National Police Service is required to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms, while Article 29 guarantees freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
IPOA derives its mandate from the IPOA Act, 2011, which empowers it to investigate deaths, serious injuries, and misconduct resulting from police actions, either on its own motion or following public complaints.
The video has triggered public outrage online, with calls for swift disciplinary and criminal action should the officers be found culpable.
IPOA said it will forward its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Inspector General of Police if criminal or disciplinary thresholds are met.
