NAIROBI, Kenya— The Judiciary has moved to correct what it terms as “misreporting” of a recent High Court ruling concerning the barricading of roads by police, emphasizing that the Inspector General has not been barred from mounting roadblocks, but must now issue prior notice.
The clarification follows widespread media coverage of the ruling delivered on July 9, 2025, in the case of Katiba Institute vs State Law Office which the Judiciary asserts some reports incorrectly interpreted as a blanket ban on road barricades.
In a statement issued Thursday by Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo, the court explained that the decision was a conservatory order;a temporary measure intended to guide conduct while the case is fully heard and determined.
Katiba Institute had petitioned the court after public roads were blocked without prior warning on July 7, 2025, in the wake of the deadly Saba Saba protests,allegedly causing widespread inconvenience to citizens.
The petition targeted the Inspector General of Police, who Katiba institute argued did not file a response or appear in court despite being formally served through the State Law Office.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi, in the interim ruling, directed that the police must issue “timely advisory/notice” before mounting any barricades or roadblocks that restrict access to the Nairobi Central Business District or any public road.
“The order does not stop the police from barricading roads,” Ndemo clarified.
“it simply requires them to inform the public beforehand, particularly in non-emergency situations.”
The Judiciary reiterated that the ruling remains temporary until the full case is heard and determined.
