Editor's Review

The High Court has spared the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from punishment after finding him in contempt of court over police road closures during the June 25, 2026 protests in Nairobi. 

The High Court has spared the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from punishment after finding him in contempt of court over police roadblocks during the June 25, 2026 protests in Nairobi. 

Delivering the ruling on Monday September 28, Justice Patricia Nyaundi said the court has no intention of imposing a punitive sentence on IG Kanja but warned that future non-compliance could attract a custodial sentence.

The High Court Judge highlighted that the Police IG personally appeared before the court and was accompanied by senior police officers and gave an assurance that he will ensure the court order is cascaded within the National Police Service.

“It is not the intention, and the court derives no benefit, from imposing a punitive sentence on you but you must understand that the court will not hesitate to do so if your conduct compels it so. 

“Noting that you have attended court personally and you are accompanied but senior officers, appreciating that you have undertaken to cascade this order and you have given your assurance that there shall not be a recurrence of this on this particular occasion I shall pardon you with a stern warning that if there is a recurrence on this issues, I shall not hesitate to consider a custodial sentence,” Justice Nyaundi said.

Read More

  1. Kindiki Convenes Meeting With Police, KEBS and KRA Over Counterfeit Alcohol Menace
  2. High Court Throws Out Petition Challenging the Legality of IEBC's National Tallying Centre
  3. Court Awards Ndiangui Kinyagia Ksh5 Million in Damages After Unlawful DCI Raid

File image of the Milimani Law Courts. 

This comes days after Justice Nyaundi found IG Kanja in contempt of court over roadblocks and barricades which were erected by police during the June 25 protests in Nairobi. 

The court determined that Kanja had failed to ensure compliance with the orders, which required him and police officers under his command to provide timely public notices before barricading roads or setting up checkpoints.

The court noted that such advisories are intended to allow members of the public to plan their journeys and avoid disruptions caused by unexpected road closures and police checkpoints.

Justice Nyaundi held that the case was not solely about how demonstrations are regulated under Article 37 of the Constitution. 

She said the proceedings also raised fundamental questions concerning the freedom of movement guaranteed under Article 39 and the police service’s constitutional responsibilities under Articles 10 and 244.