Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has strongly condemned an incident of alleged police brutality after CCTV footage surfaced showing police officers assaulting young men who were playing pool in Nandi Hills Town, Nandi County.
In a statement released on Friday, January 16, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Senator described the incident as a gross abuse of human rights and a clear violation of the Constitution of Kenya (2010). The footage, which has since circulated widely on social media, has sparked public outrage and renewed debate about police conduct in the country.
Details of the CCTV Incident
According to the footage, a group of young men were peacefully playing a game of pool inside an entertainment establishment in Nandi Hills Town when several uniformed police officers stormed into the premises without warning.
The officers ordered the youths to lie face down on the floor. Moments later, some of the young men were slapped, while others were beaten using batons. The assault reportedly lasted close to eight minutes before the officers exited the establishment, leaving the youths visibly shaken.
No explanation was offered to the victims, and there was no indication that the youths had committed any offence at the time of the incident.
Cherargei Cites Constitutional Violations
Reacting to the footage, Senator Cherargei stated that the actions of the officers were not only criminal but unconstitutional. He cited Article 244 of the Constitution of Kenya, which outlines the mandate of the National Police Service.
“I want to strongly condemn these acts of police brutality, criminality, and abuse of human rights perpetuated by police officers in Nandi Hills Town, Nandi County, to peace-loving youth whose only mistake was playing a pool game, which is not an offence under any of our laws,” Cherargei said.
Article 244 requires the National Police Service to:
- Respect human rights and fundamental freedoms
- Promote high standards of professionalism and discipline
- Foster positive relationships with the broader society
- Uphold integrity and accountability
According to the Senator, all these principles were violated by what he termed “rogue police officers.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Senator Cherargei demanded swift and decisive action from the top leadership of the National Police Service. He called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately interdict and suspend the officers involved.
“I demand that the Inspector General of Police should immediately interdict and suspend the said police officers to pave the way for independent investigations,” he stated.
The Senator further said that senior police commanders in Nandi County should face full administrative action for failing to prevent or address such conduct among officers under their command.
IPOA Urged to Investigate
Cherargei also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch investigations into the incident, noting that independent oversight is crucial in restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
He revealed that he had already engaged the Senate Committee on National Security, urging it to treat the matter with urgency.
“The national security leadership must move in to prevent such rogue police acts, which are re-emerging frequently across the country,” he added.
Incident Comes Amid Rising Police Accountability Concerns
The Nandi Hills incident comes just days after IPOA launched investigations into the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Utange, Mombasa County.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 6, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan confirmed that investigations into the killing of Dennis Ringa Swaleh, who was shot on New Year’s Eve, were already at an advanced stage.
“Following the death of Dennis Ringa Swaleh at Utange-Swale Nguru Shopping Centre in Kisauni Sub-county, Mombasa County, the investigation launched on January 2, 2026, is at an advanced stage,” the statement read.
IPOA said it has collected substantial evidence and recorded testimonies from individuals directly and indirectly linked to the incident, with further procedural steps ongoing to strengthen the case.
Public Outrage and Demand for Reforms
The two incidents have intensified public calls for police reforms, accountability, and stricter enforcement of constitutional safeguards. Human rights groups and members of the public have increasingly questioned why cases of alleged police brutality continue to recur despite existing oversight mechanisms.
For residents of Nandi Hills Town, the CCTV footage has become a symbol of wider concerns about excessive use of force and the treatment of young people by law enforcement officers.
As investigations are awaited, many Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether the demands made by Senator Cherargei translate into concrete disciplinary action and justice for the affected youths.