NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 26 -Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered an urgent internal investigation into the conduct of police officers captured on video violently manhandling a person with a disability during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests in Nakuru, following widespread public outrage over the incident.

📻 Breaking It Down

In a statement issued Friday, the National Police Service (NPS) condemned what it described as “unprofessional conduct” by officers involved in the arrest, saying the actions appeared to have violated the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures and legal safeguards designed to protect the dignity and rights of suspects.

“The Service strongly condemns all forms of unprofessional conduct, excessive force, or breaches of established procedures. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the Constitution of Kenya and other relevant laws,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

According to the police, preliminary reports indicate the incident occurred on Thursday, June 25, in Nakuru City during demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests.

📌 What You Need to Know

The viral footage shows officers forcibly taking away the man’s crutches before dragging and restraining him, sparking widespread condemnation from disability rights groups, civil society and members of the public.

“The Inspector General has directed the Internal Affairs Unit to conduct a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation into the matter within seven days. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,” Nyaga said.

The NPS acknowledged that the officers’ actions “may not have followed the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures or the legal safeguards designed to protect the dignity and rights of suspects,” adding that “such behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the core values of the National Police Service.”

The police service also appealed to members of the public to assist with investigations by providing any relevant information through the nearest police station or official reporting channels.

Earlier Friday, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “a very sad and dehumanizing” act against a person with a physical disability.

The Council said the footage showed uniformed officers “forcibly and violently snatching the crutches, and manhandling him with utter disregard for his physical condition, safety, and dignity.”

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya