The High Court has pardoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja after finding him in contempt of a court order requiring police to issue timely public advisories before erecting emergency roadblocks or barricades.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi, however, warned Kanja that the court would consider a custodial sentence if there is a repeat violation.
Kanja appeared before the court in person on September 28, alongside other senior police officers, for mitigation and sentencing following the contempt finding.
The judge said Kanja had undertaken to ensure compliance with the order and had demonstrated how it would be implemented within the National Police Service going forward.
“Noting that you have attended court in person, appreciating that you have undertaken and given assurance that this will not happen again, I shall pardon you,” the judge ruled.
The contempt proceedings arose from police operations on June 25, 2026, when roads leading into Nairobi's Central Business District and other areas were barricaded during commemorations marking the anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
The court had previously ordered the police to issue a timely advisory or notice before emergency barricading of roads to allow members of the public to plan their activities. The order, issued by Justice Lawrence Mugambi on July 9, 2025, did not completely bar police from mounting roadblocks or security checkpoints.
Justice Nyaundi found Kanja personally responsible for contempt after determining that the required advisory had not been issued before the June 25 barricades were mounted. The court rejected the argument that the measures were spontaneous security responses that fell outside the scope of the order.
During Monday's proceedings, Kanja assured the court that the order would be respected and complied with going forward. He also demonstrated how officers would implement it and emphasised to senior police officers that court orders must be obeyed.
“I appreciate that you have emphasised to your officers that court orders must be complied with,” Justice Nyaundi said.
The court said the failure to comply with the order had affected citizens' freedom of movement. It stressed that contempt proceedings were necessary to uphold the authority of court orders and reinforce the rule of law.
The judge warned that the decision to pardon Kanja should not be taken as leniency towards any future breach, making it clear that a similar violation could result in a custodial sentence.
The court further directed the National Police Service to comply with the order governing roadblocks and barricades during demonstrations and ensure there is no recurrence.
