Editor's Review

“The order consequently issued by the High Court did not bar the Inspector General of Police from barricading roads." 

The Judiciary has dismissed reports that the high court barred the police from mounting road barricades during demonstrations.

In a statement on Thursday, July 10, the Judiciary Spokesperson, Paul Ndemo, noted that the court did not bar the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, from barricading roads.

Ndemo clarified that the Police IG was directed to issue a timely advisory prior to the emergency barricading to allow members of the public to plan their activities accordingly.

“The order consequently issued by the High Court did not bar the Inspector General of Police from barricading roads.

“It only required him to issue a timely advisory/notice prior to the emergency barricading to allow citizens/members of the public to plan their activities accordingly,” read the statement in part.

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File image of Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo. 

Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the conservatory order on Wednesday, July 9, following a petition filed by Katiba Institute.

In the application, lawyer Joshua Nyawa argued that the police orders put in place subjected Kenyans to unconstitutional directives, risking the mutilation of the Bill of Rights.

Speaking after the court directive, President Willian Ruto faulted the judiciary, claiming the high court issued an order barring the use of police road barricades during demonstrations.

The President criticized the order, terming it unfair to millions of citizens who deserve protection from lawlessness.

“I have seen that today, someone in court has said that the Inspector General of Police should not block roads, should not use tear gas, should not use water cannons to protect the lives of other Kenyans,” Ruto stated.

He added, “The one saying so, in his case, has police who protect and drive him.”

Further, defended the excessive use of tear gas, water cannons, and road barricades to control the masses during protests, arguing that the move was necessary to safeguard properties and maintain order.

“Honestly, how can anyone say that the police cannot protect the lives and property of other Kenyans? There’s a reason why roadblocks exist. There’s a reason why police have tear gas and water cannons. These are tools to protect Kenyans when they are in danger,” Ruto remarked.