The High Court is set to determine on Thursday an application seeking to hold the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, liable for contempt of court. This legal proceeding is significant as it addresses the balance between law enforcement actions and adherence to judicial directives.
The application stems from the events of June 25, 2026, when police barricaded roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). This action occurred despite an existing conservatory order that mandated prior public notice before any such barricades or roadblocks could be erected. The conservatory order is crucial as it is designed to protect citizens' rights to free movement and assembly, which are often challenged during large gatherings.
Katiba Institute, a prominent rights organization, filed the application, accusing the National Police Service of defying the court order during operations mounted as thousands of people gathered in Nairobi to commemorate victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. These protests were significant in Kenyan history, reflecting widespread public dissent against government policies perceived as detrimental to the populace.
The barricades were mounted along major routes into the CBD, including sections of Thika Road, Mombasa Road, and Waiyaki Way, disrupting public transport and movement into the city centre. This disruption not only affected commuters but also had broader implications for businesses operating in the CBD, which rely on a steady flow of customers.
The rights organization wants Kanja held personally liable for the alleged violation, emphasizing accountability within the police force. Holding the Inspector General accountable could set a precedent for how law enforcement interacts with judicial orders in the future, potentially influencing police operations across the country.
The court will determine whether the police actions amounted to contempt of the existing orders and whether the Inspector General should be sanctioned. This decision could have far-reaching consequences for the National Police Service and its operational protocols, as well as for the rights of citizens to assemble and express their views without undue interference from law enforcement.
