Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticized the conduct of police officers in Nandi Hills, where CCTV footage shows young men being assaulted while playing pool.
The video depicts officers forcing the players to lie on the floor and hitting some without explanation, raising concerns about police overreach.
Sifuna argued that the incident undermines democratic principles and citizens’ freedoms.
He highlighted that government programmes like the NYOTA youth grant, which provide financial support to small businesses, cannot replace respect for rights and personal safety.
“That incident in Nandi Hills where police beat up young people playing pool for no reason is the clearest example of ‘development’ in the context of democracy,” Sifuna said.
“A dictator or a democrat can give seed money, but only a democracy respects your freedoms.”
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened an inquiry and dispatched a rapid response team to investigate the assault.
Police leadership has also promised swift action against any officers found guilty of misconduct.
Public reaction has been strong, with calls for accountability and professional policing.