Nandi Governor Stephen Sang. /FILE
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has called for swift, thorough and transparent investigations into the alleged assault of citizens by police officers in Nandi Hills to ensure accountability for all officers involved.
In a statement on Friday, Sang said his attention had been drawn to an online video showing what appears to be police officers violently assaulting members of the public who were peacefully gathered and engaged in a game of pool in Nandi Hills.
He described the footage as both worrying and unacceptable.
“I strongly condemn this disturbing incident as captured on CCTV footage in Nandi Hills,” the governor said, adding that such conduct was not only unlawful but also amounted to “a gross violation of the constitutional rights and dignity of citizens”.
Governor Sang emphasised that the National Police Service exists to protect the public, not to harass, intimidate or brutalise innocent people.
While reaffirming the county government’s support for lawful police operations aimed at addressing insecurity, alcohol abuse and drug-related crime, he said all such interventions must strictly adhere to the constitution, due process and established rules of engagement.
“Lawlessness masquerading as law enforcement has no place in our society,” he said.
“Our communities deserve policing that protects life, upholds dignity and respects the rule of law.”
The governor called on oversight and law enforcement authorities, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) and the National Police Service (NPS), to act decisively by conducting prompt and transparent investigations.
He said those found culpable should face firm disciplinary and criminal action.
“The County Government of Nandi will not countenance police brutality in any form,” the governor said, urging residents to report any incidents of abuse of power, harassment or intimidation by law enforcement officers to the relevant oversight bodies for appropriate action.
Meanwhile, Ipoa confirmed that it has initiated investigations into the incident following the circulation of the video on social media.
In a press statement, the authority said it had taken cognisance of footage depicting the alleged assault by police officers of a group of young men on the night of January 10, 2026.
According to Ipoa, the video, timestamped at around 11.50 pm, appears to show several officers entering a room where the young men were playing pool before subjecting them to physical assault.
The authority said it deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to the area to establish the sequence of events and assess the conduct of the officers involved.
“To ascertain the facts, Ipoa deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to the scene to conduct thorough inquiries, assess the conduct of the officers involved, and determine culpability, if any, in line with the Ipoa mandate,” the authority said.
Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred within Nandi Hills town and extended to other establishments, including bars and hotels.
Ipoa said several victims and witnesses had already been identified and contacted as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The oversight body reiterated its condemnation of any use of unnecessary or unwarranted force by police officers and called for calm as investigations continue.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to impartial inquiries and the promotion of accountability and professionalism within the National Police Service.
Ipoa further noted that no formal complaint had been lodged before the video was posted online, and urged members of the public to report such incidents through official channels whenever they occur to enable timely intervention.
The twin statements by the county leadership and the police oversight authority now serve to intensify pressure on law enforcement agencies to act decisively, as public outrage grows over the images captured in the video.
Investigators are expected to provide further updates once preliminary investigations are concluded.