The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement following a viral CCTV clip showing armed police officers assaulting young men who were playing pool in Nandi Hills, Nandi County.
The incident, which reportedly took place on January 10, 2026, shows at least 10 police officers from Nandi Hills Police Station, armed with guns and batons, storming a room with two pool tables where several young men were playing.
Upon storming the gaming hall, the police officers were heard ordering the men to lie flat on the ground before brutally roughing them up as they demanded identification documents.
In the statement on Friday, NPS described the behaviour as “barbaric” and a clear violation of the National Police Service Act, the Code of Conduct for Police Officers, and fundamental human rights principles.
NPS acts
The service emphasized that such conduct does not reflect the standards of the majority of professional officers who serve with integrity and commitment.
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According to the statement, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has personally reviewed the footage and ordered a comprehensive investigation by the Internal Affairs Unit, which is required to conclude its work within three days.
“The Inspector General of the National Police Service has personally gained sight of the galling clip and has ordered a comprehensive and swift investigation into the incident. The Internal Affairs Unit have three days to finalise their work. This will be conducted with the utmost professionalism to establish the full facts and circumstances, and the Service will work closely with other independent institutions to ensure transparency and accountability. Upon conclusion of the investigation, any officer found culpable will be dealt with accordingly.”
NPS also reassured the public that this is an isolated incident and reiterated the expectation that all officers must maintain courteous, respectful, and professional conduct while serving the public.
The response comes after public outcry over the viral CCTV clip showing at least 10 officers from Nandi Hills Police Station assaulting young men who were playing pool. The incident lasted several minutes before the officers left, instructing the victims to remain on the floor.
Uproar
The assault sparked condemnation from political leaders and community representatives. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei cited Article 244 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which mandates NPS to respect human rights, promote professionalism, and foster good relations with the public. Cherargei described the actions of the officers as violations of these constitutional obligations.
Similarly, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino condemned the assault, stating that playing pool is not a crime and that the officers’ actions were unjustified.
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He emphasized that the police cannot act as both law enforcers and prosecutors, noting that all citizens are entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.
Owino called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officers involved, and demanded administrative action against their superiors, including members of the county security team.
Advocate Willis Otieno also called for the immediate disclosure of the names of officers involved and confirmation of the steps taken to investigate and discipline them.
Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang, on his part, urged residents to report any incidents of police brutality, harassment, or abuse of power to oversight authorities, emphasizing that the county will not tolerate such behaviour and expects all law enforcement to uphold professionalism, discipline, and human rights at all times.
NPS has reaffirmed its commitment to serving and protecting all Kenyans in a fair, lawful, and professional manner.
The service stated that it remains resolute in conducting an impartial, thorough, and expedient investigation and reiterated its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among its officers.
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