The action comes after an eight-minute CCTV video surfaced online showing uniformed police officers brutally assaulting several young men at a pool hall in Nandi Hills town on January 10, 2026.
The footage, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, depicts armed officers storming the premises and subjecting patrons to physical abuse.
According to the video, at least 12 young men were forced to lie on the floor as officers wielding batons and firearms interrogated and assaulted them.
In the audio captured during the incident, officers can be heard demanding identification cards from the youths before the situation escalated.
The violence intensified when one individual reportedly attempted to leave the establishment, triggering a brutal response from the officers.
The incident triggered public condemnation from human rights groups, political leaders, and members of the public, who described the conduct as excessive, unlawful, and a violation of constitutional rights.
Following the public outcry, the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) launched an investigation into the incident.
The unit later submitted its findings and recommendations to the Inspector General, who has now approved and implemented disciplinary measures targeting senior commanders responsible for the affected jurisdiction.
Among those facing administrative action is the Sub-County Police Commander for Tinderet, who has been held accountable for conduct occurring within his area of command.
The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Songoh and the OCS Nandi Hills Police Station have also been affected by the decision.
Additionally, the Officer in Charge of RDU Songoh Camp, GSU Songoh Camp, and ASTU Songoh Camp are facing similar administrative measures over their supervisory responsibilities.
In a statement issued by the National Police Service (NPS), the Inspector General emphasised that the decision to focus on local commanders was intentional.
“This action deliberately focuses on local commanders to ensure they are held fully accountable for all conduct within their jurisdictions,” the statement read.
While the NPS did not specify the exact nature of the administrative actions taken, such measures typically include interdiction, suspension, transfers, redeployment, reprimands, salary stoppage, demotion, or dismissal, depending on the gravity of the findings.
Prominent leaders were among the first to condemn the incident. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino publicly criticised the assault, calling for swift accountability and justice for the victims. Civil society organisations also renewed calls for police reforms and stronger oversight mechanisms within the service.
The National Police Service expressed regret over the incident and extended sympathies to the victims, reaffirming its commitment to addressing misconduct within its ranks.
“The IG-NPS reiterates to every officer that they bear a solemn duty as custodians of public safety, security, and property,” the statement added.
The NPS further stressed that professionalism and respect for human rights are non-negotiable obligations for all officers, describing them as integral and cardinal responsibilities of police service.
The Nandi Hills incident has once again reignited debate on police brutality in Kenya, with many citizens demanding systemic reforms, improved training, and stronger enforcement of accountability measures.
Activists argue that holding senior commanders responsible is a critical step toward ending a culture of impunity.
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