The Office of the Inspector General has launched an investigation into the arrest of a Nakuru-based civil rights activist James Mbugua, a person with disability, during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations.
Officers from the Internal Affairs Unit have recorded a statement from Mbugua and revisited the location where he was arrested. The inquiry follows widespread public concern after a video of the incident circulated online.
The footage shows police officers confronting Mbugua, who relies on crutches for mobility, before arresting him and placing him in a police vehicle. The video triggered criticism from members of the public and human rights organizations, who questioned the conduct of the officers involved.
The investigators were accompanied by Mbugua’s lawyer, Lawrence Karanja, and several human rights defenders. The team is examining allegations of excessive force and mistreatment during the arrest.According to Karanja, the Internal Affairs officers have confirmed that the matter is under active investigation and are seeking witnesses who may have been present when the incident occurred.
“The Inspector General directed that this matter be investigated. Mbugua has already recorded his statement, and officers are now tracing people who witnessed the arrest,” Karanja said.
The lawyer further alleged that police officers had monitored Mbugua throughout the day before intercepting him at the location captured in the viral video.He claimed that officers forcibly arrested the activist, took away his crutches, and bundled him into a police vehicle before transporting him to Nakuru Central Police Station.Karanja also disputed the charges facing his client, which reportedly relate to obstructing the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway arguing that there was no evidence showing Mbugua had blocked traffic or disrupted movement along the road.
Human rights activist David Kuria has welcomed the ongoing investigation and urged authorities to ensure the matter is handled professionally and guided by evidence.
Mbugua expressed appreciation for the Inspector General’s intervention, saying the probe should help promote accountability among law enforcement officers and protect the rights of citizens, including persons with disabilities.
“I am happy the IG has taken this action. It should serve as a lesson to officers who violate human rights,” he said, while maintaining that he was assaulted during the arrest.
