Court Pardons IG Kanja After Finding Him in Contempt Over Nairobi Roadblocks

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has escaped punishment after the High Court found him in contempt over police roadblocks erected during the June 25, 2026 protests in Nairobi. Justice Patricia Nyaundi said the court had decided against imposing a punitive sentence after Kanja personally appeared and committed to ensuring compliance with the orders.

Kanja Warned Against Future Non-Compliance

Justice Nyaundi said the decision to pardon the police chief should not be interpreted as acceptance of future violations. She warned that a repeat of the conduct could result in a custodial sentence being considered against the Inspector General.

Kanja appeared before the court accompanied by senior police officers. He assured the judge that the court's directives would be communicated throughout the National Police Service to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

The judge said the court would derive no benefit from imposing punishment where compliance could be secured through the undertaking given. However, she made it clear that further disobedience would attract a more serious response.

Court Faults Police Over Roadblocks

The contempt proceedings followed a ruling concerning roadblocks and barricades erected by police during the June 25 demonstrations in Nairobi. The court found that Kanja had failed to ensure that officers under his command complied with its orders.

The orders required police to issue timely public notices before barricading roads or establishing checkpoints. Such notices were intended to give members of the public an opportunity to plan their journeys and avoid unexpected disruptions.

Justice Nyaundi said the matter extended beyond the regulation of demonstrations under Article 37 of the Constitution. The proceedings also raised issues concerning freedom of movement under Article 39 and the constitutional responsibilities of the National Police Service.

Police Constitutional Duties Highlighted

The judge further linked the case to Articles 10 and 244 of the Constitution, which set out important principles and responsibilities governing public service and the National Police Service. Compliance with court orders was therefore treated as a constitutional obligation for the police leadership.

Kanja's personal appearance before the court and his undertaking to communicate the orders to officers were considered before the sentence was determined. The Inspector General was subsequently spared a custodial or other punitive sentence.

Justice Nyaundi nevertheless issued a stern warning over future compliance. Any recurrence of similar conduct could lead to the court reconsidering its decision and imposing a custodial sentence.