No arrest yet on police officers caught on camera assaulting pool players

Video shows police assaulting men playing pool in Nandi Hills. [Screengrab]

More than a week after an exposé on alleged police brutality in Nandi Hills town, none of the officers linked to the incident has been arrested.

Victims who were assaulted by rogue officers have recorded statements with the police and are awaiting further action. However, many say they have not been updated on the status of the investigations.

One victim, who was allegedly robbed of a mobile phone and Sh1,200 by Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers during a night raid on January 10, said his property has yet to be recovered despite recording a statement at Nandi Hills Police Station.

“I was told the phone could be recovered, but I have gone to the station three times to inquire with no success,” said the 26-year-old youth, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

More than 20 businessmen and youths have recorded statements with the police over the destruction of their businesses, assault, and theft of personal belongings.

Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi said investigations are ongoing and that legal action will be taken against officers captured in CCTV footage that has since circulated on social media.

“There were many officers shown in the video who allegedly assaulted residents, but not all can be indicted unless individual officers are identified and disciplinary action taken against them,” he said.

Mr Mukuusi added that the Police Internal Affairs Unit, in collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other human rights organizations, is handling the matter  to ensure justice for the victims.

“The pool room was assessed and CCTV footage obtained for further analysis and forensic audit. This will help identify the officers who were present at the scene,” he said, though he did not give timelines for the conclusion of the investigations.

He noted that the final investigation report will be submitted to the Office of the Inspector General of Police once completed.

Following public outrage over the alleged attacks, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja called for swift action against the implicated officers and directed the Internal Affairs Unit to commence investigations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the alleged extrajudicial actions, terming them barbaric, unacceptable, and inhuman.

“That is not what we expect of our police service. Police brutality is an issue we must deal with firmly. From the video, prima facie, we see criminal activity — a group of police officers beating young people,” said Mr Murkomen.

He stated that the Internal Affairs Unit, working with IPOA, will conduct investigations and that officers found culpable will be dismissed and arrested to face prosecution.

Last week, a section of the victims received two pool game tables from the Ministry of Interior as part of a youth empowerment initiative.

Nandi Civil Society Network Chairperson Shadrack Tarno accused authorities of attempting to frustrate investigations in order to deny justice to victims.

“We need justice for innocent residents. Businesses were disrupted and several people injured. The suspected officers should have been suspended to allow for independent investigations,” he said.