IG Kanja Issues Directive Following Butere Girls Incident in Nakuru
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, has directed the Internal Affairs Unit of the National Police Service (NPS) to conduct an investigation into alleged misconduct by police officers during the National Drama Festivals held in Nakuru County.
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 10, NPS Spokesperson Mr. Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the Internal Affairs Unit has been given 21 days to complete the investigation and submit a comprehensive report.
Mr. Nyaga further noted that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also commenced a parallel inquiry into the conduct of the officers deployed at the event.
“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,” the statement read in part.
In addition, Mr. Nyaga revealed that the police received credible intelligence indicating a planned disruption of the event on April 10. He stated that the service had implemented appropriate security measures to prevent such disruptions.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Nyaga reaffirmed the NPS’s commitment to upholding constitutional values, including operational independence, impartiality, and political neutrality, in fulfilling its mandate to maintain law and order.
These developments follow an incident at Melvin Jones Lions Academy, where students from Butere Girls High School were caught in a crowd that was teargassed by the police. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation from leaders and citizens alike, many of whom questioned the necessity of using tear gas at a student-centered event.
The students from Butere Girls reportedly declined to perform at the festival, citing harassment by police officers. Their decision came after the arrest of former UDA Secretary General and playwright Mr. Cleophas Malala, who was denied access to the venue.
Wiper Party leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka described the incident as a national disgrace.
“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,” he stated.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also strongly condemned the incident, raising concerns about the violation of children’s rights.
“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 said.
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IG Kanja Issues Directive Following Butere Girls Incident in Nakuru
