ELDORET, Kenya — Victims of alleged police brutality in Nandi Hills have raised concern over delays in investigations into an incident in which officers in combat gear assaulted youth inside a pool hall, even as oversight bodies insist inquiries are ongoing.
The assault occurred on January 10 in Tindiret Sub-county and involved officers attached to the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU). According to victims and eyewitness accounts, at least 10 uniformed officers armed with rifles and batons stormed a pool hall late at night and subjected patrons to violent beatings.
Through their lawyer, Kibet Kisorio, the 15 affected youth said progress has stalled despite their cooperation with investigators. Kisorio said all victims recorded statements and obtained P3 forms after receiving medical treatment, but no further action has followed.
“Apart from the victims recording statements after obtaining P3 forms, no other action has taken,” Kisorio said, adding that the delay has deepened trauma and eroded confidence in accountability mechanisms.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed it is investigating alleged human rights violations and abuse of power. IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the authority has gathered key evidence and is assessing witness accounts to guide its recommendations.
“The authority has visited and documented the incident scene and seized and secured the camera footage for forensic analysis,” Hassan said, confirming the probe remains active. He added that a rapid response team has been deployed to assess the conduct of the officers involved.
IPOA has recorded statements from witnesses and police officers and obtained relevant police documents, Hassan said. Vehicles suspected to have been used during the operation have also been identified. He noted that the authority ensured all victims accessed medical care and completed P3 forms.
Nandi County police commander Samuel Mukusi said a team dispatched from police headquarters is also investigating the incident. “The matter is under investigation,” Mukusi said, declining to give timelines or comment on possible disciplinary action.
Public attention intensified after a video of the incident went viral. The footage shows officers arriving at around 11.51 pm, ordering the youth to lie on the floor before beating them with batons and pool sticks. The video captures pleas for mercy as officers demand national identity cards and question why the youth were playing pool late at night.
The assault reportedly lasted about 10 minutes, after which the officers left, leaving the victims fearful to exit the premises.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has instructed the Director of the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate alleged human rights violations, abuse of power, and assault by the officers. The National Police Service has not publicly disclosed whether any officers have been interdicted.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has called for firm disciplinary and criminal accountability, saying the incident undermines public trust in law enforcement. “The NPS exists to protect the public, and their actions must strictly conform to the Constitution, due process, and rules of engagement,” Sang said.
The case has renewed scrutiny of police conduct and oversight in operations involving specialised units, with civil society groups urging swift, transparent outcomes. Victims and their advocates say timely action will be critical to restoring confidence that accountability mechanisms can deliver justice.
