Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has sharply criticized the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for what he described as a weak and cosmetic response to the brutal assault of young men playing pool in Nandi Hills, Nandi County.
Speaking on Saturday, January 31, Cherargei reacted to the NPS announcement that six senior police officers had been subjected to administrative action following the circulation of disturbing CCTV footage showing officers violently attacking youths inside a pool hall. The video sparked widespread outrage across the country.
The senator argued that internal disciplinary measures such as transfers or suspensions fall far below the threshold required by law.
He insisted that the actions captured on camera clearly constitute criminal offences and should result in arrests and prosecution, not internal reshuffles.
According to the CCTV footage recorded on January 10 at around 11:51 pm, more than ten heavily armed police officers raided a pool hall in Nandi Hills town.
The youths inside were ordered to lie on the floor, viciously beaten with rungus, kicked repeatedly, and subjected to degrading treatment, including being forced to place their national identity cards in their mouths.
The officers later exited the premises, warning the victims not to move.
Cherargei accused the police of attempting to manage public anger through public relations tactics rather than delivering justice.
He stated that the Internal Affairs Unit should have immediately recommended criminal charges against the officers involved as well as their commanding officers.
The senator also faulted IPOA, accusing the oversight body of failing victims of police brutality by treating the case lightly, even as those assaulted continue to suffer physical injuries and psychological trauma.
Linking the incident to similar cases reported in Tinderet constituency, Cherargei alleged that some officers attached to the Rapid Deployment Unit have operated with impunity, resulting in deaths and serious injuries.
He called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and IPOA officials to appear before the Senate to explain how the case was handled and to account for the continued violations of human rights by police officers.
Cherargei warned that failure to take decisive action would further erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
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