The National Police Service (NPS) has addressed a troubling video circulating on social media, which shows a uniformed officer brutally assaulting a man lying on the ground. In the disturbing footage, the officer is seen stepping on the man’s neck, waist, and head while shouting repeatedly, “down, down.” The incident took place in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, during the daytime, with bystanders watching the scene unfold without intervening.
In a statement issued on May 6, 2025, the police confirmed they had taken note of the video and reassured the public that the officer involved had already faced disciplinary action. The police clarified that the incident did not occur recently but rather in 2018. They explained that the officer in question had been identified at the time, and appropriate measures were taken against him. However, the police refrained from disclosing the specifics of the disciplinary actions or whether the officer remains in service.
The NPS emphasized its commitment to upholding justice, human rights, and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by the Constitution. The statement reiterated that the police service is dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens while respecting constitutional standards of conduct.
While the police have acknowledged that disciplinary action was taken against the officer involved, the lack of transparency regarding the specific measures applied or the current status of the officer has raised questions. The incident, which was captured in the viral video, has reignited concerns about police brutality and the slow pace of justice in cases involving law enforcement misconduct.
The man who was assaulted in the video has been identified as Brian Ogutu. According to reports, Ogutu was returning from a lunch break with a friend when they encountered iron bars lying on the road. The owner of the bars assumed they were attempting to steal them and became aggressive. In an attempt to defend himself, Ogutu reportedly picked up a stone but accidentally struck a nearby car. Fearing arrest for damaging the vehicle, Ogutu ran away.
A nearby police officer, who witnessed the altercation, chased Ogutu down and began assaulting him. The officer reportedly stepped on Ogutu’s neck, waist, and head, shouting “down, down” as shown in the footage. The video, which surfaced years later, has reignited public outrage over police brutality and the lack of accountability in cases involving law enforcement.
At the time of the original incident, the National Police Service issued a statement expressing concern over the video. They announced that they were investigating the matter and verifying the authenticity of the footage. The police spokesperson stated that they did not approve of the officer’s actions and vowed to take stern action against him once the investigation concluded.
Despite the police’s assurance that the officer had faced disciplinary action, many have criticized the lack of transparency and follow-up on the case. Public frustration has mounted as the video resurfaced, with many questioning why such incidents continue to occur without meaningful consequences for the officers involved.
The incident has sparked renewed debates on police reform, accountability, and the need for a more robust system to address complaints of police brutality. While the NPS has emphasized its dedication to upholding human rights, the public remains concerned about the effectiveness of disciplinary measures and the potential for such cases to be swept under the rug.
As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issues surrounding police conduct and the urgent need for reforms to ensure accountability and justice for all citizens.
