By MKT Correspondents
The National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have launched parallel investigations into an incident captured on CCTV footage and widely circulated on social media showing police officers allegedly assaulting young men at Nandi Hills Town in Nandi County.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday last week has drawn sharp condemnation from the police leadership, the civilian oversight authority, and youth empowerment advocates, reigniting debate on police conduct, accountability and the treatment of youth recreation spaces.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the NPS said it was “deeply concerned” and “appalled” by the footage, which appears to show officers engaging in what the Service described as “barbaric behaviour” at or around Nandi Hills Police Station and nearby establishments.
“The actions portrayed constitute a clear violation of the NPS Act, the Code of Conduct for Police Officers, and the fundamental principles of human rights and dignity that the Service is sworn to uphold,” the statement read.
NPS stressed that such conduct was an affront to the many officers who serve professionally and with integrity.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, through the statement, ordered a comprehensive and swift investigation into the incident, directing the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to conclude its inquiries within three days.
The NPS said it would also work closely with independent institutions to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, any officer found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement said, while cautioning that the incident should not be seen as reflective of the values and standards of the entire NPS.
The police further urged members of the public with information that could assist investigations to report to the nearest police station or use the toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911 or 112, or to submit information anonymously through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ #FichuaKwaDCI channels.
Separately, IPOA confirmed it had taken cognisance of the same video, which allegedly shows police officers assaulting a group of young men who were playing pool on the night in question.
In its own statement, IPOA said it had on Friday morning deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to Nandi Hills to establish the facts, reconstruct the sequence of events, assess the conduct of the officers involved and determine culpability, if any, in line with its mandate.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred on 10 January 2026 within Nandi Hills Town and affected other establishments, including bars and hotels,” IPOA said, adding that several victims and witnesses had already been identified and contacted.
While condemning the use of unnecessary and unwarranted force in policing, IPOA called for calm as investigations continue and reiterated its commitment to impartiality, accountability, and the promotion of professionalism within the NPS.
It also noted that no formal complaint had been lodged before the video was shared online, urging members of the public to report such incidents promptly through official channels to enable timely intervention.
The incident has also drawn concern from youth advocates, particularly those involved in promoting indoor sports as tools for social cohesion and economic empowerment.
Nick Mararo, the Chief Executive Officer of BaseYetu, an organisation that promotes youth engagement through activities such as pool games, warned that the alleged assault was not an isolated case and could easily recur in other parts of the country.
“Pool bases play a critical role in youth gentrification, social cohesion, and local enterprise. Attacking them is an attack on talent, livelihoods and positive youth engagement,” Mararo said in a statement.
He argued that such incidents undermine the efforts of organisations working to empower young people through sports and recreation, noting that pool halls and similar spaces provide livelihoods, nurture talent, and create employment.
“We must stand with entrepreneurs who build community through sports and recreation. Their investment strengthens neighbourhoods, creates employment, and nurtures talent. They deserve support and protection, not hostility,” he said.
Mararo called on leaders, authorities and partners to speak with one voice in condemning attacks on Pool bases and to work collaboratively to guarantee the safety of patrons and operators across the country.
As investigations by both the Internal Affairs Unit and IPOA get underway, the Nandi Hills incident has once again placed the spotlight on police accountability and the delicate balance between law enforcement and the protection of lawful social and economic activities, particularly those involving the youth.