The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned an incident of alleged police misconduct at Nandi Hills Police Station after CCTV footage circulated on social media showing what it described as “barbaric behaviour” by officers.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered a swift and comprehensive investigation into the January 10 incident, directing the Internal Affairs Unit to conclude its probe within three days, with culpable officers to face action.
In a statement released on Friday, the NPS said it was “aware of, and deeply concerned by, reports and CCTV footage circulating on social media that depicts an incident of alleged serious misconduct by police officers in Nandi Hills Police Station, Nandi County.”
A preliminary review, the Service noted, indicates the incident occurred on January 10, 2026.
“The NPS is appalled by what has been depicted and unequivocally condemns such barbaric behaviour which has no place in a civilized society,” the statement read.
The Service said the actions shown in the footage constitute “a clear violation of the National Police Service Act, the Code of Conduct for Police Officers, and the fundamental principles of human rights and dignity that the Service is sworn to uphold.”
According to the statement, the Inspector General has personally viewed the footage and ordered a thorough investigation.
“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,” NPS said, adding that the Internal Affairs Unit has been given three days to complete its work.
The Service said it would also work closely with other independent institutions “to ensure transparency and accountability.”
NPS emphasized that any officer found responsible will face consequences. “Upon conclusion of the investigation, any officer found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement said.
While condemning the incident, the Service sought to reassure the public that it does not reflect the conduct of the entire force.
“This isolated incident does not reflect the values, standards, and training of the Service,” NPS noted, adding that the behaviour shown was “an affront to the dedicated and professional majority of officers who serve with integrity and commitment.”
The Service reiterated its expectations of officers, stating: “Service to the people must at all times remain courteous, respectful and professional. Anything short of this shall be dealt with firmly, swiftly and as per the laws, regulations and procedures.”
NPS also urged members of the public with information that could aid investigations to come forward, either through the nearest police station, toll-free lines 999, 911 or 112, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to “serving and protecting all Kenyans in a fair, lawful, and professional manner.”
The incident had earlier sparked nationwide reactions from Kenyans online, including leader,s over police conduct and the treatment of young people, prompting calls for reforms in policing practices and stricter oversight of rogue officers.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei called for urgent action following the incident, demanding the arrest, suspension, and prosecution of the officers involved.
In a statement released on Friday, Owino described the incident, which occurred at 11:51 pm on January 10, as deeply troubling.
He said the police allegedly attacked several youths simply for playing pool, stressing that leisure activities cannot be treated as criminal acts.
“I am deeply disturbed by the incident where police officers violently assaulted young men whose only ‘crime’ was playing pool. Let it be stated clearly: playing a game is not a crime,” Owino said.
Senator Cherargei also joined the condemnation, demanding that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja interdict the officers involved.
“I demand that the Inspector General of Police Kanja should immediately interdict and suspend the said police officers for this act of impunity. This is to also pave the way for the independent investigations to be carried out,” he stated.
Cherargei further called for Nandi County police leadership to face full administrative action and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the incident. He added that he had engaged the Senate Committee on National Security to urgently examine the matter.
“The National security leadership must move in to prevent such acts of rogue police acts, which are re-emerging frequently,” he said.
