Nandi: Video of Police Beating Youths While Playing Pool Raises Anger

Eight armed police officers in Nandi Hills area were caught on CCTV cameras brutally attacking youths who were peacefully playing pool
The video footage did not show any criminal activity, but the officers forced the youths to lie on the ground, beat them with batons and forced them to show their national IDs.
Senator Samson Cherargei condemned the incident as police brutality, calling on the Inspector General of Police to suspend the officers and call for an independent investigation.

The actions of a group of police officers in Nandi County have caused outrage as leaders want disciplinary and legal action to be taken against them.

Eight police officers serving at the Nandi Hills Police Station found themselves in trouble for attacking young people playing pool. Photo: EPK.
Source: Twitter

The eight officers with their guns were caught by security cameras beating a group of young people who were playing pool in Nandi Hills on the night of Saturday, January 10.

How Nandi Hills police attacked pool players

According to CCTV footage, the twelve youths were inside a hall with two pool tables, playing the game peacefully until the officers entered.

Also read

Kenyan Newspapers: Leaders in Mt Kenya will be alert, 2027 census takers are afraid they will be attacked

The information contained in the video did not show any signs of a crime, at least when the police entered.

They ordered the youths to lie down, then took pool sticks and beat them with them.

The officers, who work at the Nandi Hills Police Station, were heard demanding the youths to produce their national IDs and asking them why they were still playing pool at night.

No explanation from the youth could stop the police.

They continued to beat them, each taking turns, before leaving the hall with the youths still lying on the floor.

Later, the youth got up a few minutes after confirming that the police had left.

How Senator Cherargei said about police brutality in Nandi Hills

Nandi Senator, Samson Cherargeistrongly condemned the act.

The senator wants the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to approve the penning of officers who were caught attacking youths who were playing pool.

The senator noted that the youths were not involved in any criminal act that would prompt the police to punish them.

“I want to strongly condemn these acts of police brutality, crimes and human rights violations carried out by police officers in Nandi Hills, Nandi County, against peaceful young people whose only crime was playing pool, which is not a legal offense in our constitution,” he said.

Also read

Kimani Wamatangi Claims His Life Is In Danger After His Property Was Destroyed In Nairobi

He blamed the officers for violating human rights by attacking civilians without provocation.

According to him, their conduct was a clear sign of lack of professionalism, thus calling on the Office of the Inspector General of Police to take action.

Cherargei wanted the officers to be removed from their duties and an investigation should be conducted into their conduct.

“My request is that the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja immediately remove them from work and suspend the officers for this arbitrary action. This action will also pave the way for an independent investigation to be carried out. Their superiors, including those in the county security team, must face full administrative action,” he added.

The senator said he has contacted the victims of the atrocity and presented the case before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security for further action.

He said he will track down the erring officers and make sure they are brought before the court.

How Babu Owino reacted to police brutality in Nandi Hills

Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, Grandpa Owinoand contributed to the discussion, accusing the police of causing unnecessary harm to young people who were involved in recreational activities.

Also read

Kimani Wamatangi Speaks Painfully After Inspecting His Destroyed Business, Shows Shots

He criticized the officials for trying to legalize crime against recreational activities that can nurture future champions and bring life-changing opportunities.

Babu also said that the police do not have the authority to demand national identity cards from citizens.

“There is no law in Kenya that requires citizens to carry their identification at all times. There is no law that prohibits people from playing sports at night. Even where it is alleged that the law has been broken, the police cannot be arresting officers, prosecutors and judges at the same time,” he said.

The MP also supported the call for the officers involved to be arrested and charged with assault.

Are the Kenyan police hostile towards citizens?

There have been concerns about increasing cases of police brutality against civilians.

Last June, the nation was outraged after the police killed a blogger Albert Ojwang.

Ojwang, who was arrested at his parents’ home in Homa Bay, was taken to the Central Police Station in Nairobi, where some officers assaulted him and killed him.

In addition to the killing of Ojwang, the police have also been linked to the killing of civilians during the protest.