The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into claims of misconduct by officers deployed to provide security during the 2025 Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru County.
In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Communication, Muchiri Nyaga, the National Police Service said that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had directed the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate the claims and submit a report within 21 days.
In addition to the internal probe, other independent bodies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), are also conducting separate investigations.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Further, the matter is under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other independent bodies.”
Security at the Drama festival
In the statement, the police said that on April 10, 2025, they received credible intelligence about a planned disruption and took immediate action with detailed contingency measures to prevent it and deployed officers to provide security at the event, which is being held at Lions Primary School in Nakuru County.
“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,” the statement reads.
“The service endeavoured to secure the 2025 Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival, taking place at Lions Primary School in Nakuru County, by implementing stringent security measures to ensure the success of the event.”
The National Police Service also reaffirmed its commitment to the Constitution, independence, impartiality, and political neutrality in maintaining law and order.
“National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest fidelity to the Constitution, operational independence, impartiality, and political neutrality in its role of maintaining law and order,” the statement reads.
Teargas
On the morning of April 10, Butere Girls’ students were teargassed by police as they left the venue of the Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Music Festival.
In a video shared online, police are seen firing tear gas toward the Butere Girls’ school bus. Several students can be seen covering their noses and eyes due to the effects of the tear gas.
Moments after the tear gas subsided, a number of police officers were seen leading the bus out of the venue.