Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna has downplayed the significance of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) grant, a government programme aimed at empowering young people through funding, following the recent police brutality against the youth in Nandi Hills.

As President William Ruto continues to preside over the issuance of NYOTA funds to the country’s young people, a horrific incident occurred in Nandi Hills on Saturday, January 10, 2026, where uniformed officers on patrol stormed a pool joint and physically assaulted unarmed youth who had gathered to enjoy the game.

The particular incident captured on CCTV has sparked public uproar, with the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, ordering a three-day investigation into the matter. However, despite the call for investigation, Sifuna has described the occurrence as a systemic approach by the state, linking it to the issuance of NYOTA grants.

Dictator’s seed

”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. Unapewa pesa ya NYOTA, unafungua place ya pool polisi anavuruga tu hivo. A dictator can give you seed money for a small business. So can a Democrat. Only one of them will respect your rights and freedoms,” Sifuna took to X on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

In response to the matter, the NPS, in a statement released on Friday, January 16, 2026, described the incident as “barbaric” and a gross violation of the National Police Service Act, the Code of Conduct for Police Officers, and fundamental human rights principles.

“The NPS is appalled by what has been depicted and unequivocally condemns such behaviour, which has no place in a civilised society. The actions portrayed constitute a clear violation of the National Police Service Act, the Code of Conduct for Police Officers, and the fundamental principles of human rights and dignity that the Service is sworn to uphold,” the statement read in part.

Matter under investigation

The Police IG, Douglas Kanja, has personally reviewed the footage and directed the Internal Affairs Unit to conclude investigations within three days. The probe will be conducted in collaboration with independent institutions to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Service said any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal action. ”Upon conclusion of investigation, any officer found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement added.

While condemning the incident, the NPS emphasised that the actions of the officers involved do not represent the values of the entire service, noting that the majority of officers serve the public with integrity and professionalism.