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Babu Owino demands arrest of officers for assaulting young men playing pool
16th January, 2026 10:43 AM
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has called for the immediate arrest of police officers involved in a violent incident in Nandi, where young men were allegedly assaulted while playing pool.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, January 16, 2026, the MP criticised the police for using excessive force against citizens who were simply enjoying a recreational activity.
Owino highlighted that playing games is a constructive outlet for young people, helping them stay engaged, avoid crime, and develop skills that could open doors to future opportunities.
He emphasised that criminalising leisure activities not only harms youth morale but also risks undermining talent development in the country.
“I am deeply disturbed by the incident that occurred at 11:51 PM on the night of 10th January in Nandi, where police officers from Nandi Hills Police Station violently assaulted young men whose only ‘crime’ was playing pool,” Babu Owino stated.
The lawmaker stressed that the law does not require citizens to carry identification at all times, nor does it prohibit people from playing games at night. He pointed out that the role of law enforcement is strictly defined, and police officers cannot act as both judge and prosecutor while bypassing legal procedures.
“No law in Kenya requires citizens to carry their IDs at all times. No law prohibits people from playing games at night. Even where a law is alleged to have been broken, the police cannot act as both arresting officers and prosecutors, nor can they serve as judges,” he said.
Owino also reminded the public that Kenya’s legal system is built on the principle of presumption of innocence, meaning every person is considered innocent until proven guilty. Using violence as a form of law enforcement undermines this fundamental right.
“Kenya is a constitutional democracy founded on the principle of presumption of innocence; that every Kenyan is innocent until proven guilty. Brutality and violence have no place in law enforcement.”
The MP demanded accountability for the officers involved, insisting that they face legal consequences for their actions.
“WE DEMAND THE IMMEDIATE ARREST OF THE OFFICERS INVOLVED, AND THEY SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH ASSAULT. Our youths deserve dignity, protection, and opportunity, not violence.”
The incident, which went viral after a CCTV footage was released to the public, has sparked outrage with leaders and human rights groups calling out the law enforcement officers. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei described the attack as police brutality and a violation of the Constitution, urging independent investigations and the suspension of the officers involved
