The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has condemned as degrading and unacceptable the alleged rough handling of a man with a disability during the June 25 commemorations.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said such treatment has no place in a constitutional democracy.
"Respect for human dignity, equality and non-discrimination is not optional, even during law enforcement operations. The incident is a stark reminder that police reforms and disability-inclusive policing remain unfinished," chairperson Rehema Jaldesa said.
The commission said Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed. It added that exercising this right is a legitimate expression of democratic participation and accountability.
NGEC called for a prompt, transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident, as well as appropriate accountability measures against any officer found to have acted outside the law.
The commission also urged law enforcement agencies to ensure officers deployed during public assemblies are adequately trained and equipped to engage vulnerable groups in a dignified manner to prevent similar incidents.
The alleged incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, appears to show police officers forcibly arresting a man who uses crutches.
The footage appears to show the man attempting to cross a street with another man when a police Land Cruiser carrying armed officers arrived.
The man who was with him is then seen running away, leaving him behind.
The footage further appears to show the man dropping his crutches and falling to the ground before he was allegedly dragged along the road and placed into the vehicle by officers.
NGEC said persons with disabilities are entitled to equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
The commission said they should not be subjected to differential treatment, unnecessary force, indignity or actions that disregard their disability-related circumstances and support needs.
It added that law enforcement officers have a heightened duty to provide reasonable accommodation and ensure policing operations do not expose persons with disabilities to humiliation, injury or discriminatory treatment.
The alleged arrest occurred during nationwide protests commemorating those who lost their lives in the 2025 demonstrations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 355 people were arrested during the June 25 protests, with Nairobi recording the highest number at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123 and Kiambu with 36.
Murkomen commended police officers, saying they "acted with utmost professionalism".
While institutional reforms have advanced on multiple fronts, the commission said significant gaps remain.
It noted that in March, the National Police Service Commission convened stakeholders to examine systemic, legislative and societal barriers limiting the full participation of persons with disabilities.
The commission said the National Police Service Commission has implemented counselling and psychosocial support programmes, medical insurance cover, continuous medical assessments and workplace adjustments for officers with disabilities.
It added that in April, more than 138,000 police and prison officers transitioned to a government-backed medical insurance scheme under the Social Health Authority.
The commission also reported progress in compensating officers injured in the line of duty, with claim payment rates increasing from 52 per cent to 65 per cent.
In May, the Inspector General announced plans to establish an office dedicated to supporting officers with disabilities by addressing their welfare and mental health needs.
However, NGEC maintained that police reforms and disability-inclusive policing "remain unfinished".
