NAIROBI, Kenya Sep 17 – The High Court has found Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja in contempt of court over the failure by police to comply with orders requiring advance public notice before erecting roadblocks and barricades.

📻 Breaking It Down

Justice Patricia Nyaundi ruled that Kanja failed to ensure compliance with conservatory orders issued by Justice Lawrence Mugambi on July 9, 2025.

Consequently, Kanja has been directed to appear before the High Court on September 28, 2026, for mitigation and sentencing.

The case arose after police erected roadblocks and barricades on major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District during events marking the anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests.

📌 What You Need to Know

Katiba Institute challenged the police action, arguing that the roadblocks were mounted without the advance public advisories required under the existing court order.

In her ruling, Justice Nyaundi said the issue was not only about demonstrations and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Article 37.

The judge linked the case to the freedom of movement guaranteed under Article 39, as well as the police’s obligations under Articles 10 and 244 to uphold the rule of law, human rights, transparency and accountability.

The court also held that Kanja remained responsible for ensuring that officers under his command complied with the orders.

Justice Nyaundi stressed that internal police procedures could not override a binding court order.

Katiba Institute Executive Director Nora Mbagathi welcomed the decision but raised concern about what she described as the growing need to use contempt proceedings to force government institutions to obey court decisions.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya