Kenya Police Chief Orders Three-Day Investigation Following Viral CCTV Footage of Officer Brutality
Nairobi, 16 January 2026
Inspector General Douglas Kanja has given investigators just three days to complete inquiries into shocking CCTV footage showing ten armed officers assaulting young men playing pool in Nandi Hills on 10 January 2026. The viral clip has sparked nationwide outrage and prompted the police service to condemn what they termed ‘barbaric behaviour’ that violates fundamental human rights. Kanja’s swift response includes deploying the Internal Affairs Unit and working with independent institutions to ensure transparency. The investigation also covers separate incidents including five deaths during clashes in Trans Mara, highlighting growing concerns over police misconduct across Kenya.
Immediate Action Following Viral Footage
The National Police Service has taken unprecedented steps to address the misconduct captured in the CCTV footage, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja personally viewing the disturbing clip before issuing his directive [1]. National Police Service Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed on Friday, 16 January 2026, that Kanja has ordered the Internal Affairs Unit to complete their comprehensive investigation within three days, after which any officer found culpable will face appropriate action [1]. The police service has described the conduct as ‘barbaric behaviour which has no place in a civilised society’, emphasising that the actions constitute a clear violation of the National Police Service Act, the Code of Conduct for Police Officers, and fundamental human rights principles [1].
Details of the Nandi Hills Incident
A preliminary review by the National Police Service indicates that the assault occurred on 10 January 2026, when ten armed police officers from Nandi Hills Police Station attacked young men who were playing pool in the town [1]. The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the officers conducting what appears to be an unprovoked assault on the civilians [1]. The incident has prompted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to deploy a Rapid Investigations Team to Nandi Hills, with IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan confirming that the authority will conduct thorough inquiries to establish the sequence of events and assess the conduct of the officers involved [1].
Broader Pattern of Police Misconduct
The Nandi Hills incident represents part of a wider pattern of alleged police misconduct that has prompted Kanja to order investigations across multiple cases [alert! ‘Trans Mara incident mentioned in introduction but no detailed source available’]. The police chief’s decisive response comes amid mounting public pressure and criticism over police brutality incidents reported across the country. The National Police Service has emphasised that this incident does not reflect the values, standards, and training of the service, whilst warning all officers that service to the public must remain courteous, respectful and professional at all times [1].
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
In addressing the crisis, the police leadership has committed to working closely with independent institutions to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process [1]. The National Police Service has urged members of the public with information that may assist the ongoing investigations to report to the nearest police station or call the toll-free numbers [1]. Kanja has made clear that any deviation from professional standards will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law, regulations and procedures, as the NPS remains committed to serving and protecting all Kenyans in a fair, lawful, and professional manner [1]. The three-day timeline for the Internal Affairs Unit investigation represents an unusually swift response, indicating the seriousness with which the police leadership is treating these allegations.