Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has criticised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja following his decision to order administrative action against six senior police officers implicated in the assault of young men at a pool hall in Nandi Hills town.
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 31, Cherargei argued that administrative measures are insufficient in cases where criminal acts are alleged to have occurred.
The senator maintained that the officers involved in the incident, as well as their superiors, should be arrested and prosecuted.
Cherargei Hits Out at IG Kanja After Sanctioning Officers Over Nandi Hills Pool Hall Assault. Photo: Courtesy.
He described the assault on the young men as a criminal act, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable through the criminal justice system rather than internal disciplinary processes.
Cherargei dismissed the administrative action ordered by Kanja as a public relations exercise, insisting it was unacceptable without the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
The senator also criticised the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), accusing the agency of focusing on public messaging while victims of police brutality continue to suffer trauma.
He further called for both IG Kanja and IPOA officials to appear before the Senate to account for alleged human rights abuses and violations of the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) announced disciplinary action against six police officers after CCTV footage emerged showing misconduct at a pool hall in Nandi Hills.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NPS said the Inspector General acted on recommendations from the Internal Affairs Unit, resulting in administrative measures against several senior officers stationed in the affected area.
Those facing action include the Sub-County Police Commander for Tinderet, the Officer Commanding Station for Songoh, the Officer Commanding Station for Nandi Hills, and officers in charge of the RDU, GSU, and ASTU camps at Songoh.
NPS explained that the action targeted local commanders, noting that officers in leadership positions bear overall responsibility for conduct within their respective areas of command.
