Government Responds After Shocking Nandi CCTV Footage Goes Viral
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced that it has launched an investigation following the release of a shocking eight-minute CCTV video showing police officers violently assaulting young men at a pool hall in Nandi Hills.
The video went viral on social media, drawing widespread public outrage and condemnation from citizens and leaders alike.
The footage, recorded at around 11:50 pm on January 10, 2026, shows several uniformed police officers entering a pool hall, forcing approximately twelve young men to the ground, and hitting them repeatedly with batons.
Audio captured from the CCTV also reveals officers demanding identification from the patrons before the situation escalated into a violent confrontation.
In an official statement on Friday, January 16, IPOA said it had deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to Nandi Hills early in the morning after the video began circulating widely.
The team has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation to establish the full sequence of events, evaluate the actions of the officers involved, and determine any responsibility or violations of police regulations.
The authority confirmed that the incident affected several establishments in Nandi Hills, including bars, hotels, and recreational facilities. IPOA officials have also identified multiple victims and witnesses, who are now being contacted to provide statements and assist in the ongoing inquiry.
IPOA strongly condemned the unnecessary and excessive use of force and called on the public to remain calm as the investigation continues. The authority emphasized its commitment to conducting impartial inquiries and upholding professionalism and accountability within the National Police Service.
Local leaders have also reacted strongly. Nandi Hills Senator Samson Cherargei described the incident as a blatant case of police brutality and a violation of human rights.
In a statement shared on Friday morning, he called for the immediate suspension and interdiction of the officers involved pending the outcome of the investigation.
Senator Cherargei highlighted that playing pool is not a criminal act, and the officers’ conduct contravened Article 244 of the Constitution, which requires police officers to respect human rights and act professionally at all times.
The senator further stressed that the actions captured on video represent an abuse of power and a serious breach of public trust.
The CCTV footage also shows tensions escalating when one man attempted to leave the premises, which led officers to launch a series of blows on him and others present, causing panic and chaos in the hall.
IPOA noted, however, that before the video went viral, no formal complaints had been submitted regarding the incident. The authority urged the public to report any cases of police misconduct immediately to allow for timely intervention and protection of citizens’ rights.
In a statement signed by IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan, the authority said: “We condemn any use of unnecessary or unwarranted force in policing. We urge calm as investigations continue and reaffirm our dedication to impartial inquiries, accountability, and professionalism within the National Police Service. We also call upon members of the public to report incidents promptly to ensure citizens’ rights are protected. Updates will be provided upon conclusion of the preliminary investigations.”
The viral video has reignited debates about police conduct in Kenya and the importance of oversight mechanisms to ensure law enforcement respects citizens’ rights while maintaining public order.
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