NANDI COUNTY, Kenya — Kenyans have voiced outrage after a CCTV clip showing armed police officers assaulting young men playing pool in Nandi Hills went viral, prompting leaders to demand swift accountability.
The footage, recorded on the night of Sunday, January 10, at 11:51 pm, shows at least ten officers from Nandi Hills Police Station entering a room with two pool tables. Armed with guns and rungus, the officers ordered the men to lie flat on the ground before physically assaulting them while demanding identification documents.
As the attack continued, the officers instructed the victims to place their IDs in their mouths while questioning why they were out late at night. The assault lasted several minutes, after which the officers left, instructing the men to remain on the floor.
Political leaders condemn brutality
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino denounced the incident as an egregious violation of human rights.
“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 whose only mistake was playing a pool game,” Cherargei said in a statement on X.
He cited Article 244 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which mandates the National Police Service to respect human rights, uphold professionalism, integrity, and foster good relations with the public. “This provision has been violated by these rogue police officers,” he added.
Owino emphasised that playing games is not a crime and criticised the police for criminalising harmless activities.
“Let it be stated clearly: playing a game is not a crime. 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.
He further noted that Kenyans are not legally required to carry identification at all times, and that police cannot act as arresting officers, prosecutors, and judges simultaneously.
“Kenya is a constitutional democracy founded on the principle of presumption of innocence,” Owino added.
Calls for accountability
Both legislators have called for the immediate intervention of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, urging the interdicting and suspension of the officers involved, alongside administrative action against their superiors. They also demanded investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) with a view to prosecution.
“I demand that immediately the Inspector General of Police should interdict and suspend the said police officers for this act of impunity to pave the way for independent investigations,” Cherargei said.
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“We demand the immediate arrest of the officers involved, and they should be charged with assault. Our youths deserve dignity, protection and opportunity, not violence,” Owino added.
Human rights lawyer Willis Otieno also weighed in, calling for public accountability from the police. “The OCS, Nandi Hills Police Station, must publicly produce the names of the officers involved and confirm the immediate steps taken to investigate and discipline them,” he said.
The incident has sparked nationwide condemnation, highlighting ongoing concerns about police conduct and accountability in Kenya.
