NAIROBI, Kenya — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has been found in contempt of court over police roadblocks and barricades erected during the June 25, 2026, Gen Z protest anniversary demonstrations.
High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi directed Kanja to appear before the court on September 22, 2026, for mitigation before the court determines the appropriate sentence.
The contempt finding relates to police actions that restricted access to Nairobi’s Central Business District despite an existing court order requiring the public to be given prior notice before roadblocks or barricades were erected.
Court Holds Kanja Personally Responsible
Justice Nyaundi found Kanja personally responsible for the failure to comply with the court order, holding that he had not demonstrated what specific measures he had taken to ensure that police officers complied with the requirement to notify the public.
The judge subsequently held the Inspector General in contempt over the roadblocks erected on June 25.
“I hereby direct Douglas Kanja to attend court on September 22, 2026,” Justice Nyaundi directed.
Kanja’s appearance will allow him to make mitigation submissions before the court decides the appropriate sanction.
Court Order Required Prior Public Notice
The High Court had previously issued conservatory orders restraining the Inspector General and officers under his command from erecting roadblocks or barricades on public roads without issuing timely advance notice to the public.
The order followed an earlier dispute over police restrictions during demonstrations and was intended to balance public safety measures with constitutional rights, including freedom of movement and peaceful assembly.
Police Blocked Roads During June 25 Protests
On June 25, police erected barricades and roadblocks at various points around Nairobi as thousands of Kenyans gathered to commemorate those who died during the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
Katiba Institute subsequently complained that the restrictions were imposed without the advance public advisory required by the court order.
The organisation said roadblocks were mounted at several entry points and roads around Nairobi, restricting access to the CBD and disrupting movement.
Katiba Institute’s June 26 application said police had erected unannounced barricades on major roads leading into Nairobi, including Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way and routes near Parliament.
Police Disputed Contempt Allegations
The National Police Service opposed the contempt application.
In a replying affidavit, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamed Mohamud argued that the security measures deployed on June 25 were operational decisions taken by officers on the ground.
He maintained that the existing conservatory orders did not impose an absolute prohibition on police mounting roadblocks, security checkpoints or traffic diversions.
The police position was that the measures were undertaken as part of security arrangements during the demonstrations and were not evidence of deliberate disobedience of the court order.
Katiba Institute Sought Sanctions Against IG
Katiba Institute argued that the police actions amounted to direct violation of the court’s orders.
The rights organisation asked the High Court to cite Kanja for contempt and impose appropriate sanctions, arguing that failure to obey binding court orders undermines the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law.
It also argued that the roadblocks affected people travelling for work, healthcare and other essential activities.
The organisation had filed the contempt proceedings shortly after the June 25 demonstrations, alleging that the police had disregarded the existing court orders.
