Ipoa chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into an incident in Nandi Hills where police officers were allegedly captured on camera assaulting a group of young men playing pool.
The video, which circulated widely on social media this week, is timestamped January 10, 2026, at approximately 11:50 pm.
In a statement on Friday, IPOA said it had reviewed the footage and deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to establish the facts.
“The video appears to show several police officers entering a room where young men were playing pool and subsequently subjecting them to physical assault,” IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said.
He added that investigators had already made progress.
“So far, the Authority has established that the incident occurred on January 10, 2026, within Nandi Hills Town, and affected other establishments, including bars and hotels. Several victims and witnesses have been identified and contacted,” Hassan said.
IPOA condemned the conduct shown in the video, describing it as a violation of police procedures and constitutional protections.
“The Authority condemns any use of unnecessary and unwarranted force in policing,” the statement read.
Hassan also urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue.
“IPOA reaffirms its commitment to impartial inquiries and the promotion of accountability and professionalism within the National Police Service,” he said.
The Authority noted that no formal complaint had been lodged prior to the video surfacing and encouraged citizens to report such incidents promptly.
“The Authority calls upon members of the public to make formal complaints whenever such incidents occur,” Hassan said.
Following the video’s circulation, the Inspector General of Police instructed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to begin a parallel investigation into the alleged human-rights violations, abuse of power, and assault by the officers involved.
“The Inspector General has directed the Director of the Internal Affairs Unit to commence investigations immediately into the alleged police human-rights violations, abuse of power, and assault,” a statement read.
Residents and local leaders have expressed concern over the incident and called for accountability.
IPOA said further updates will be shared once preliminary investigations are complete. Meanwhile, both IPOA and the IAU are expected to interview officers on duty that night, review additional CCTV footage from nearby establishments, and record statements from victims.
The investigations could result in disciplinary measures, criminal charges, or both, depending on the findings.
“We remain committed to ensuring that policing in Kenya is conducted within the confines of the law,” Hassan said.