The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has directed the Internal Affairs Unit of the National Police Service to investigate police officers' misconduct during the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru County.
In a statement on Thursday, April 10, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the unit was given 21 days to complete the investigations and table a report.
Nyaga also noted that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the officers.
“There have been allegations of misconduct by police officers deployed to provide security at the venue. The Inspector General of Police has instructed the Internal Affairs Unit to immediately investigate the matter and present a report within 21 days. Further, the matter is under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other independent bodies,” read the statement in part.
At the same time, Nyaga said that the police received intelligence of individuals who were planning to disrupt the National Drama Festivals on Thursday.
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The NPS spokesperson said the police put in place measures to thwart the planned disruption in the event.
“On Thursday, 10 April 2025, we received credible intelligence that some individuals were planning to disrupt the event, and as a responsible security organ, we put in place elaborate contingency plans to thwart such acts,” Nyaga added.
He further said NPS is committed to upholding the highest fidelity to the Constitution, operational independence, impartiality, and political neutrality in its role of maintaining law and order.
This comes after Butere Girls students were caught in a crowd that was teargassed by the police during the Drama Festivals at Melvin Jones Lions Academy.
The incident sparked outrage from leaders and netizens who questioned why the police had to use tear gas in a function largely attended by students.
The Butere Girls students had refused to perform at the drama festivals, citing harassment from the police.
This was after the playwright, former UDA SG Cleophas Malala, was arrested and refused access to the venue.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka termed the teargassing incident of the students a national shame.
“What a national shame! How does this regime justify lobbing teargas at young girls from Butere Girls who declined to stage their play "Echoes of War" at the National Drama Festival? Their bravery serves as a national wake-up call,” said Kalonzo.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also condemned the incident saying it raises serious constitutional questions about respect for the dignity, rights, and welfare of children.
"Even more troubling are reports of the use of force and violence against school-going children in the course of these events. Such actions raise serious constitutional questions about respect for the dignity, rights, and welfare of children, who enjoy special protection under the Constitution, the Children Act, and international human rights instruments," she stated.
