Public anger over police conduct has once again taken center stage after claims emerged that senior officers linked to a disturbing assault incident may have been quietly rewarded instead of held to account.
The debate has been reignited by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who has openly criticized how authorities are handling the matter, arguing that the response so far reflects a deeper problem within law enforcement oversight in the country.
The controversy stems from a viral video that showed police officers assaulting a civilian near a pool table. The footage spread rapidly on social media and triggered outrage across the country, with many Kenyans demanding swift and fair action against everyone involved.
While attention initially focused on the officers captured on camera, the senator insists that the bigger issue lies with those in command who were responsible for supervising them.
Cherargei claims that senior police officers under whose watch the assault happened have not faced any real consequences. Instead, he alleges that some have been promoted or transferred to key stations within Nairobi.
According to him, this creates the impression that accountability only applies to junior officers, while senior figures are shielded from scrutiny. He questioned how such decisions can be justified at a time when public trust in the police is already fragile.
The senator warned that protecting commanders sends the wrong signal to the entire police service. He argued that it suggests abuse of power can be tolerated as long as responsibility is pushed downwards.
Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja during his swearing in. Photo Courtesy | National Police Service.
In his view, this approach fuels impunity and weakens efforts aimed at reforming the police. He stressed that true accountability must include those who issue orders, ignore misconduct, or fail to act when abuse happens under their leadership.
Cherargei also turned his criticism toward the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. He accused the watchdog of failing to act decisively and independently, despite its constitutional role.
He argued that delays and silence from IPOA have only deepened public frustration and emboldened rogue officers. According to him, when oversight bodies appear hesitant, confidence in justice and the rule of law suffers.
“The public saw the assault. The officers were identified. But instead of accountability, we are seeing promotions and redeployments,” Cherargei said, adding that justice must be visible if Kenyans are to regain faith in state institutions.
Reports indicate that some junior officers linked to the incident were interdicted, but questions remain about command responsibility. Many Kenyans are asking why senior officers have not been suspended as investigations continue.
Cherargei has called on the Inspector General of Police to explain the alleged promotions and transfers and to ensure that any officer under investigation is stepped aside until probes are complete.
He further urged Parliament to summon IPOA officials to explain what he described as selective accountability. The senator warned that failure to act firmly risks normalizing police violence and undoing gains made through past reforms.
Attention remains firmly on police leadership and oversight bodies to demonstrate that no rank or uniform places anyone above the law.
