IG Kanja Suspends Six Senior Officers Over Brutal Nandi Hills Pool Raid Video.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed immediate disciplinary measures against six high-ranking officers in Nandi County. This follows a widely circulated CCTV footage showing armed police personnel assaulting several young men at a pool hall in Nandi Hills town.
The incident took place on January 10, 2026, when officers—equipped with rifles and batons—raided the recreational venue. They ordered about a dozen youths to lie on the floor, demanded their identification documents, and proceeded to beat some of them when one attempted to exit the premises. The roughly eight-minute video quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread public anger and accusations of excessive force.
In response, the National Police Service's Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) launched a probe and forwarded its findings and suggestions to the IG. Kanja has now approved and enacted administrative steps targeting the responsible local commanders for alleged lapses in oversight within their areas of command.
The officers affected include:
The Sub-County Police Commander (OCPD) for Tinderet
The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for Songhor
The OCS for Nandi Hills Police Station
The Officer in Charge of the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) Songhor Camp
The Officer in Charge of the General Service Unit (GSU) Songhor Camp
The Officer in Charge of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) Songhor Camp
A statement from the NPS emphasized that the focus on these senior figures aims to reinforce full accountability for events under their jurisdiction. It reiterated that every officer has a fundamental responsibility to protect public safety and uphold the law professionally at all times. The service also conveyed sympathies to the victims and pledged to handle any unlawful conduct decisively.
The episode has once again spotlighted ongoing concerns about police conduct in Kenya, with calls from various quarters—including political leaders—for stronger reforms and justice. The exact nature of the administrative penalties (such as suspension, transfer, or other sanctions) has not been publicly specified.
