Outrage as CCTV Footage Shows Police Beating Youths Playing Pool

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called for immediate action following the circulation of viral CCTV footage showing 11 police officers brutally assaulting 13 youths who were playing pool at a local establishment in Nandi County.

In a statement dated Friday, January 16, 2026, Senator Cherargei urged the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to interdict the officers involved, describing their actions as criminal and a violation of human rights.

“I strongly condemn these acts of police brutality, criminality, and abuse of human rights in Nandi Hills Town. These youths were simply playing pool, which is not an offence under Kenyan law,” Cherargei said.

Senator Cherargei Calls for the Interdiction

The senator cited Article 244 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which mandates the National Police Service to respect human rights, uphold professionalism, maintain integrity, and foster good relations with society. Cherargei said these provisions had been violated by the officers.

He called for immediate administrative action against the officers and their superiors, including those in the county security team, to allow for independent investigations to proceed.

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Senator Cherargei also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to begin investigations promptly, noting past reluctance to prosecute police officers involved in previous alleged killings in Kimwani, Nandi County.

“I have engaged the Senate Committee on National Security to look into this matter urgently. We are also in contact with the affected youths to ensure justice is served,” Cherargei added.

Kenyans React to the Nandi Incident

He warned that rogue police officers would be pursued until they face consequences for their actions, stressing the need for national security leadership to prevent such abuses from re-emerging.

The action by police officers has ignited public backlash, with Kenyans calling on the Inspector General to dismiss those officers.

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Edward Kabasa, a senior Journalist at KBC, said, “I watched this lawlessness in shock. How is this Utumishi kwa wote? Is this what is taught in the academy? Those young men in Nandi Hills deserve justice.”

Another netizen by the name Njoiki Odongo condemned the police actions, saying, “This is totally unacceptable, very, very wrong.”

Kevin Karani, an ICT practitioner, said, “When did playing pool become a criminal act?”

Victor Kapkorios, an Advocate of the High Court, said  “Playing a pool game is not an offence under any written law in Kenya, and any police action premised on such conduct is arbitrary, illegal, and an abuse of authority.”

The viral video, which has since gained national attention, shows a group of about 13 young men at a local pool hall, with some playing pool while others sat aside watching. Moments later, two police officers entered the joint, creating a commotion and ordering everyone to kneel and show their identity cards.

They were soon joined by nine more officers, armed with guns and carrying long sticks, who began brutally whipping those inside.

Some of the officers also kicked several of the youths on the head and chest, questioning why they were playing pool at that hour. The policemen later left the pool hall after assaulting the locals.

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Inspector General Douglas Kanja speaking at past event. PHOTO/NPS