Babu Owino, the MP for Embakasi East, has called for the prompt arrest and prosecution of the personnel responsible for an alleged instance of police violence against young people in Nandi.

Owino stated in a statement released on Friday that he was troubled by an event that happened on January 10 at 11:51 p.m. in which young men were allegedly beaten by police officers from a police station while they were playing pool.

“I am deeply disturbed by the incident where police officers violently assaulted young men whose only ‘crime’ was playing pool. Let it be stated clearly: playing a game is not a crime,” Owino said.

The young people, who were wearing black clothes and red hoodies, were seen playing pool inside the business on the footage. A short while after, they became uneasy and tried to get away.

Police were observed entering the joint shortly after, telling some of the young men to lie on the ground and telling others to raise their hands.

It was unclear, meanwhile, what was happening at the time or what led to the police intervention.

The lawmaker noted that recreational activities like gaming may foster talent, keep young people interested, and keep them away from crime, despite the fact that Kenyan youngsters already face many difficulties.

He cautioned against what he saw as a risky precedent of making recreational activities illegal, claiming that these kinds of games had the potential to create world champions and transform lives.

Owino went on to say that there is no rule in Kenya that prohibits people from playing games at night or mandates that residents always carry their national identity cards.
He continued by saying that police must adhere to due process even in cases when an offense is suspected.

“The police cannot act as arresting officers, prosecutors and judges at the same time. Kenya is a constitutional democracy founded on the principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

The MP emphasized that brutality and violence have no place in police enforcement and called for accountability.

“We demand the immediate arrest of the officers involved, and they should be charged with assault. Instead of violence, our young people should be treated with respect, safety, and opportunity, according to Owino.

Concerns about police behavior and how young people are treated nationwide have been rekindled by the episode.