Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered an investigation into the conduct of police officers captured in a viral video snatching a disabled man’s crutches and manhandling him during the June 25 demonstrations in Nakuru.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 26, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said it had taken note of the widely circulated footage showing what it described as the “inappropriate handling of a suspect during an arrest”.

The incident, which sparked widespread outrage online and drew condemnation from disability rights groups, is reported to have occurred on Thursday, June 25, in Nakuru City during demonstrations held to mark the anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests.

NPS condemns officers’ conduct

The National Police Service distanced itself from the officers’ actions, saying the conduct captured in the footage was inconsistent with the Service’s professional standards and commitment to protecting human rights.

“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,” the statement said.

According to preliminary reports, the arrest may not have complied with the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures or the legal safeguards intended to protect the dignity and rights of suspects.

The NPS described the conduct as unacceptable and contrary to its core values.

IG orders seven-day probe

Following the incident, the Inspector General directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to carry out what the Service described as a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation.

The inquiry has been given seven days to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate action against any officers found to have acted improperly.

“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,” the statement added.

The police also appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigators to report to the nearest police station or use the Service’s emergency and whistleblower reporting channels.

Viral video triggers public outrage

The investigation follows the circulation of a video showing uniformed officers confronting a man with a physical disability during the Nakuru demonstrations.

In the footage, officers appear to seize the man’s crutches before physically restraining him, leaving him unable to move independently.

The images prompted widespread condemnation on social media, with many Kenyans questioning the use of force against a person who relies on mobility aids.

Disability council demands accountability

Earlier on Friday, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) condemned the officers’ actions, describing the incident as “”dehumanising”and a violation of the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities.

The Council argued that a mobility aid is not merely an object but an extension of the body for a person living with a physical disability.

“Its forcible removal is an act of deliberate cruelty,” the Council said in its statement.

The NCPWD called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the incident and urged the Inspector General to commence immediate disciplinary proceedings against the officers involved.

The Council further cited Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, human dignity, and protection from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, saying the officers’ actions appeared to violate those protections.