NAIROBI, Kenya- Katiba Institute has filed a contempt of court application against Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing the National Police Service (NPS) of violating High Court orders by erecting roadblocks across Nairobi during the June 25 memorial processions.
The constitutional rights lobby group said the police ignored existing court orders by mounting unannounced barricades on major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), despite earlier government assurances that the day would proceed as “business as usual.”
The processions were held to commemorate people who died during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which left dozens dead following a police crackdown.
In a statement issued on Friday, Katiba Institute said the road closures unlawfully restricted the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement.
“Yesterday, as Kenyans gathered in peaceful processions to honour the memories of those who lost their lives during the June 2024 Finance Bill protests, the National Police Service once again chose to defy the rule of law,” the institute said.
According to the organisation, the contempt application seeks to hold Inspector-General Kanja personally accountable for allegedly disobeying conservatory orders issued by the High Court in Katiba Institute v State Law Office, Petition No. E389 of 2025.
The court orders barred the Inspector-General and officers under his command from erecting barricades or roadblocks on public roads without issuing timely advance public notices. Katiba Institute argues that the June 25 roadblocks were imposed without such notice, amounting to contempt of court.
The legal challenge follows widespread security operations during Wednesday’s commemorative demonstrations, when police blocked access to Parliament and parts of Nairobi’s CBD using razor wire, roadblocks and a heavy deployment of officers.
Police also used tear gas to disperse some gatherings, while authorities said 355 people were arrested nationwide.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the security measures, saying they were necessary to maintain public order, although he acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the road closures.
Katiba Institute maintains that regardless of security concerns, the police are required to comply with court orders and constitutional safeguards.
The institute is asking the High Court to find the Inspector-General in contempt and impose appropriate sanctions, arguing that failure to enforce judicial orders undermines the rule of law and constitutional governance.