The National Police Service (NPS) has addressed a disturbing video circulating on social media showing a uniformed officer violently assaulting a man lying on the ground.
In the viral clip, the officer is seen stepping on the man’s neck, waist, and head while repeatedly shouting “down, down.” The brutal incident, captured in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, unfolds in broad daylight as stunned bystanders look on without intervening.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 6, the police confirmed they had taken note of the disturbing footage and assured the public that the officer involved had already faced disciplinary action.
According to the statement, the incident did not occur recently. The police explained that the video is from 2018 and that the officer was identified and dealt with accordingly at the time. They did not, however, disclose the specific measures taken against the officer.
“National Police Service (NPS) has taken cognisance of a disturbing video circulating in the media, which shows a police officer assaulting a man lying on the ground. The Service wishes to clarify that the incident occurred in 2018, and the officer captured in the clip was identified, with appropriate disciplinary action taken against him,” the statement read in part.
NPS emphasised its dedication to justice, saying it remains committed to protecting all Kenyans while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“As a Service, we reaffirm our commitment to serve and protect while upholding constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” NPS said in its statement.
While the NPS insisted disciplinary action was taken, they have not disclosed what specific measures were applied or whether the officer is still in service.
2018 video
According to a local media report, the man seen being assaulted was identified as Brian Ogutu. He was reportedly returning from a lunch break with a friend when they came across iron bars lying on the road.
The owner of the bars assumed they were attempting to steal them and became aggressive. In an attempt to defend himself, Brian picked up a stone but accidentally hit a nearby car.
Fearing arrest for damaging the vehicle, Brian ran. A nearby officer who witnessed the commotion caught up with him and immediately began assaulting him, stepping on the man’s neck, waist, and head while repeatedly shouting “down, down,” as shown in the viral video.
At the time of the incident, the National Police Service issued an earlier statement saying they were investigating the matter and review the authenticity of the disturbing video.
“Our attention has been drawn to a video clip circulating on social media of a Police officer allegedly assaulting an individual. We do not approve. We are reviewing the video clip to verify its authenticity and shall take stern action against the officer once proven,” a police spokesperson said in a statement at the time.
The video has renewed public concern over police brutality and the slow pace of justice in such cases.
