Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, Arttoney General Dorcas Oduor have been ordered to appear in court and explain why they should not face disciplinary action for failing to comply with a previous court order.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Justice Alfred Mabeya of the Kisumu Law Courts issued the summons on Tuesday, July 7, after finding that state officials failed to implement orders issued by the High Court regulating the use of force by security officers during protests.

According to the judge, Kanja and the Artonney General failed to comply with a court directive requiring the publication of regulations governing police conduct during demonstrations.

The judge said the failure to comply with the directive amounted to a challenge to the court's authority and warned that the law binds government officials.

📌 What You Need to Know

"It is an assault on the rule of law. It is a breach of Article 10 of the Constitution. Court orders are not suggestions to be second-guessed," Justice Mabeya stated.

He added that parties dissatisfied with court decisions have legal avenues to challenge them, but cannot ignore court orders.

"There are processes of challenging orders that anyone feels are erroneous. The first, second, and third respondents will not be permitted to operate as if this country had no laws. They are under the law," he added.

The summons comes as Kenya marks Saba Saba Day , with police blocking several roads leading to major towns, including Nairobi CBD.

The directives stem from an earlier court ruling in March 2026, which directed the government to develop and publish regulations governing the use of force by security officers during demonstrations, following concerns about the handling of protests and the protection of constitutional rights.

In the ruling, the High Court also ordered the government to pay Ksh38.6 million in compensation.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke