Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered immediate administrative action against six senior police commanders following a brutal assault at a Nandi Hills pool hall. An eight-minute CCTV video that went viral shows uniformed officers beating young men with batons, sparking nationwide outrage. The Internal Affairs Unit's investigation recommended these measures, which Kanja has approved.
The incident occurred on January 10, 2026, at a recreational pool hall in Nandi Hills town, where armed officers with guns and batons stormed the premises. The footage shows twelve young men forced to the floor, with some beaten using batons. The audio captures officers demanding identification cards, escalating when one man tried to leave.
After the video spread on social media, prominent figures including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino condemned the assault. It has reignited discussions on police brutality in Kenya, with citizens calling for accountability and reforms in the National Police Service.
From the NPS statement: "This action deliberately focuses on local commanders to ensure they are held fully accountable for all conduct within their jurisdictions." The NPS has expressed sympathies to the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing illegal acts in line with the law. Those facing action include the Sub-County Police Commander for Tinderet, the Officers Commanding Station at Songoh and Nandi Hills, as well as the Officers in Charge of RDU Songoh Camp, GSU Songoh Camp, and ASTU Songoh Camp.
The specific administrative measures were not detailed, but they typically involve interdiction, suspension, transfer, warnings, or dismissal. The NPS emphasizes professional responsibility as a core duty for all officers.
