In a statement, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Service’s Internal Affairs Unit has already been directed to start the investigations.
“The Inspector General of Police has instructed the Internal Affairs Unit to immediately investigate the matter and present a report within 21 days,” Nyaga said.
He added that the matter is also under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other independent bodies.
Nyaga said that as per the mandate of the Service, police were deployed to secure the 2025 Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival by implementing stringent security measures to ensure the success of the event.
He stated that they received credible intelligence that some individuals were planning to disrupt the event, therefore putting in place elaborate contingency plans to thwart such acts.
Established under Article 244 of the Constitution, NPS has a solemn mandate to detect and prevent crime, protect life and property, and maintain law, order, and safety in accordance with the rule of law and with respect for and protection of human rights.
“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,” Nyaga said.
On Thursday, the festival was overshadowed by drama after police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that had gathered to watch a controversial play.
Butere Girls “Echoes of War” explores contemporary issues like technology, governance and social justice, particularly relevant to Gen Z, and the struggle for young people on civil liberties.
It centers on a nation recovering from a civil war, with young citizens at the forefront of rebuilding efforts and critiques the role of digital spaces in governance and the power of youth in shaping societal change.
The play was initially disqualified from the drama festival under unclear circumstances, but a High Court ruling overturned the decision and ordered it to be included.
Tensions flared on Thursday morning when the student performers stormed out of the venue, demanding the release of the play's author, Cleophas Malala, who had been detained by police.
The former Kakamega Senator was blocked by police from meeting the young performers for final rehearsals on Wednesday evening.
The students briefly sang the national anthem before dramatically leaving the hall, which was sealed off by anti-riot police armed with batons and tear gas canisters.
