UPDATE Saturday, February 25: Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, condemned the behavior of the police officer adding that the incident was under review and the officer will face appropriate internal disciplinary action.
The IG added the service will not condone or protect any officer found engaging in the abuse of their privileges.
"We regret the incident and reiterate that the behavior exhibited by the officer does not reflect the core values of NPS, more so during this reform period," Koome affirmed
"Most NPS officers are patriotic to our country, and remain steadfast and committed to serve and protect," the IG assured.
The National Police Service (NPS) launched an investigation to apprehend a police officer who was captured on viral video pulling out a gun during a heated argument with a truck driver on the road.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango on Friday, February 24, affirmed that NPS was hunting down the officer.
"I have seen the viral video and we have launched an investigation to identify the officer and the police station he represents," she stated.
The spokesperson explained that after the investigations are concluded, the officer will face repercussions as per the law.
"It is early to say what will be done to the officer but after he is identified and the context of the discussion confirmed, action will be taken," she told Kenyans.co.ke.
In the two-minute video shared on Thursday, February 23, the officer is heard threatening to shoot the truck tyres.
The officer argued that the driver was disrespectful and did not follow the law. On the contrary, the driver is heard pleading with him to be calm.
It ends with the police asking the driver to get into the police vehicle and be taken to the police station for further questioning.
"This traffic police officer needs assistance in terms of mental health issues. He is bitter and I noticed that with other traffic police officers. The best way to handle them is just to be calm and composed. Don't raise your voice towards them," one suggested.
"The officer should be disarmed with immediate effect and taken to Mathare Mental Hospital or the nearest rehabilitation centre for a check-up," another added.
According to a section of Kenyans, the video highlighted the ticking time bomb of police officers dealing with mental health disorders in the country.
Others urged police officers to be patient with motorists, especially those from a long trip, who are fatigued and easily irritable.
On the other hand, others were astonished at how the driver managed to record the video while the officer blurted out threats.
