IG Kanja orders probe into brutal arrest of man with disability in Nakuru

Inspector General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja has directed the National Police Service’s Internal Affairs Unit to investigate an incident in Nakuru involving the violent arrest of a man with a disability on Thursday.

The incident involved James Thuku, a man who uses crutches, who was arrested during the Gen Z memorial protests.

The viral video shows Thuku attempting to cross a road with help from another man when several police officers arrive at the scene in a vehicle. As the officers advance, the man accompanying him flees, leaving Thuku alone.

Thuku is seen struggling to move due to his disability, dropping his crutches and falling before officers move in, drag him along the road and force him into the waiting police vehicle. Thuku was subsequently ferried to Nakuru Police Station on allegations of incitement to violence.

The footage triggered a strong public reaction online, with many criticising the brutality of the arrest and raising concerns over the treatment of vulnerable individuals during enforcement operations.

In a statement on Friday, IG Kanja condemned the incident, noting that the Internal Affairs Unit has been ordered to investigate the matter and submit conclusive findings within seven days.

The outcome of the probe, Kanja noted, will determine the action to be taken against the officers involved.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the incident may not have followed the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures or the legal safeguards designed to protect the dignity and rights of suspects. Such behaviour is unacceptable and contrary to the core values of the NPS,” Kanja said, according to the statement signed by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

“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.”

Further, the IG urged persons with any information that may aid the probe to report to the relevant authorities.

“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.”