NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 26 -Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered an urgent internal investigation into the conduct of police officers captured on video violently manhandling a person with a disability during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests in Nakuru, following widespread public outrage over the incident.

In a statement issued Friday, the National Police Service (NPS) condemned what it described as “unprofessional conduct” by officers involved in the arrest, saying the actions appeared to have violated the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures and legal safeguards designed to protect the dignity and rights of suspects.

“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,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

According to the police, preliminary reports indicate the incident occurred on Thursday, June 25, in Nakuru City during demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests.

The viral footage shows officers forcibly taking away the man’s crutches before dragging and restraining him, sparking widespread condemnation from disability rights groups, civil society and members of the public.

“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,” Nyaga said.

The NPS acknowledged that the officers’ actions “may not have followed the Service’s Standard Operating Procedures or the legal safeguards designed to protect the dignity and rights of suspects,” adding that “such behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the core values of the National Police Service.”

The police service also appealed to members of the public to assist with investigations by providing any relevant information through the nearest police station or official reporting channels.

Earlier Friday, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “a very sad and dehumanizing” act against a person with a physical disability.

The Council said the footage showed uniformed officers “forcibly and violently snatching the crutches, and manhandling him with utter disregard for his physical condition, safety, and dignity.”

“What is depicted is not a lapse in judgment. It is a serious violation of the law,” the Council said.

The Council cited Articles 27, 28 and 29 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, human dignity and protection from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, arguing that the officers’ actions amounted to a grave breach of these constitutional protections.

It further referenced the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, saying the law expressly prohibits abuse, violence and degrading treatment against persons with disabilities.

The NCPWD demanded that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) immediately investigate the officers involved and that the Inspector General commence disciplinary proceedings against them.

“The NCPWD wishes to clarify that mobility aid is not a mere object. For a person with a physical disability, it is an extension of their body and their only means of independent movement and dignity. Its forcible removal is an act of deliberate cruelty,” said Executive Director and CEO Michael Munene.

“The Council will not remain silent in the face of violence inflicted upon the very persons it exists to protect.”

The incident has become one of the most controversial episodes emerging from the nationwide Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, intensifying scrutiny of police conduct and the treatment of vulnerable persons during public order operations.