The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into an alleged incident of police brutality in Nandi Hills, Nandi County, following the circulation of a video on social media showing officers assaulting young men playing pool.
In a press statement dated January 16, 2026, IPOA said it had taken cognisance of the video, which is alleged to depict police officers assaulting a group of youths on the night of January 10, 2026.
The footage, timestamped at around 11:50 pm, appears to show officers entering a room where the young men were engaged in a game of pool before subjecting them to physical assault.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken cognisance of a video circulating on social media that allegedly depicts police officers assaulting a group of young men who were engaged in a game of pool in Nandi Hills, Nandi County,” the statement reads.
To establish the facts surrounding the incident, IPOA said it deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to Nandi Hills on the morning of January 16.
The team has been tasked with reconstructing the sequence of events, assessing the conduct of the officers involved, and determining culpability in line with IPOA’s constitutional mandate.
According to preliminary findings, the authority confirmed that the incident occurred on January 10, 2026, within Nandi Hills town.
IPOA noted that the alleged police operation not only affected the pool hall but also extended to other establishments, including bars and hotels.
The authority further disclosed that several victims and witnesses have already been identified and contacted as part of the ongoing investigations.
IPOA strongly condemned the use of excessive force by police officers, reiterating that such conduct is unacceptable.
“The Authority condemns any use of unnecessary and unwarranted force in policing,” the statement said, while calling for calm as investigations continue.
The oversight body reaffirmed its commitment to impartial investigations and to promoting accountability and professionalism within the National Police Service.
It also revealed that no formal complaint had been lodged before the video surfaced online, urging members of the public to report such incidents through official channels.
“The Authority notes that prior to the video being posted online, no complaint had been lodged regarding the incident,” it said, calling on the public to make formal complaints whenever alleged police misconduct occurs.
IPOA said it would issue further updates after concluding preliminary inquiries.
