Kenyan authorities have launched investigations after a video circulated widely on social media showing police officers violently assaulting young men who were playing pool in Nandi Hills town, Nandi County.
The footage, reportedly recorded late at night on Sunday, January 10, shows several uniformed officers storming what appears to be a recreational venue and attacking the youths as stunned bystanders watch. The officers are seen striking the young men and forcefully removing them from the premises under circumstances that remain unclear.
Residents of Nandi Hills said the youths were peacefully playing pool when the officers entered the premises aggressively. Witnesses claimed the police did not explain the reason for the arrests before the assault began.
“I was there when it happened. They were just playing pool. The police came in aggressively and started beating them without warning,” said one resident, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.
The incident has sparked widespread public outrage, reigniting concerns over police brutality, particularly against young people. Many Kenyans online have questioned the conduct of the officers and the apparent use of excessive force, calling for accountability within the National Police Service (NPS).
In a brief statement, police authorities acknowledged the incident and confirmed that investigations were underway to establish the facts and identify the officers involved.
“The National Police Service does not condone acts of brutality or abuse of power. Any officer found culpable will face the full force of the law,” the statement said.
Human rights activists and civil society organisations have condemned the assault, calling for the immediate suspension of the officers involved and an independent probe. Several groups have urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take up the case to ensure transparency and justice for the victims.
Further details from CCTV footage indicate that at least 10 police officers from Nandi Hills Police Station, some armed with guns and rungus, stormed a room with two pool tables where several youths were present. The officers ordered the men to lie flat on the ground before violently roughing them up while demanding identification documents.
As the assault continued, officers were heard instructing the victims to place their identification cards in their mouths as they questioned why they were out late at night. The beating reportedly lasted several minutes before the officers left, ordering the young men to remain on the floor.
The incident has drawn condemnation from political leaders, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, who described the assault as a gross abuse of human rights.
In a statement posted on X, Cherargei cited Article 244 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which requires the National Police Service to respect human rights, uphold professionalism and foster good relations with the public.
“I strongly condemn these acts of police brutality, criminality and abuse of human rights perpetrated by police officers in Nandi Hills town against peace-loving youth whose only mistake was playing a pool game,” Cherargei said.
Babu Owino echoed the condemnation, stressing that playing games is not a crime and warning against the criminalisation of harmless activities undertaken by young people.
“Our youth are already going through a lot. For many, engaging in games is not just leisure but a positive way to stay occupied, avoid crime and build talent,” Owino said. He added that no law requires Kenyans to carry identification documents at all times or prohibits people from playing games at night.
The two legislators have called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately interdict and suspend the officers involved, as well as take administrative action against their superiors. They also demanded swift investigations by IPOA with a view to prosecution.
Prominent lawyer Willis Otieno also condemned the incident, calling on the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nandi Hills Police Station to publicly release the names of the officers involved and outline the steps taken to investigate and discipline them.
As investigations continue, Kenyans on social media have called for calm while demanding justice for the victims and broader reforms within the security sector, amid heightened scrutiny of police conduct across the country.
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