Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned an incident of police brutality captured on widely circulated CCTV footage showing officers assaulting civilians at an entertainment venue in Nandi County.
The video, dated January 10 and recorded at about 8:50 p.m., shows police officers storming a room where young men were playing pool and beating them as they questioned why they were there at that hour.
“The issue of police brutality particularly the video that we have seen depicting police officers beating up young men playing pool is barbaric, unacceptable, inhuman, unconstitutional and illegal/ That is not what we expect from the police service.”
Murkomen warned officers against the use of excessive force, stressing that law enforcement must operate within the law and respect citizens’ rights, noting that such acts undermine public trust.
“I have prophesed myself in the past that I will defend police officers who find themselves facing prosecution because of doing their work, but it’s not our job to defend officers who commit crime.”
He said investigations have been launched and vowed firm action against those found responsible.
“Officers who will be found to be guilty will be arrested, charged and they’ll lose their jobs. We must show that the government of Kenya and the Police service does not condone Police brutality.”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had earlier ordered a swift and comprehensive probe in collaboration with independent bodies, including IPOA, with findings expected within three days.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei have also weighed in, backing calls for expedited investigations and accountability for the victims.
