IG Kanja Faces Sentencing Over June Protest Roadblocks
The finding followed police deployment of roadblocks and barricades around Nairobi during June 25 demonstrations.
September Court Appearance Ordered
Kanja has been directed to appear before the High Court on September 22, 2026.
The appearance will allow mitigation submissions before the court proceeds with determination of his sentence.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi made the directive after finding that an earlier court order had been breached.
The order had required advance notification before roadblocks or barricades were deployed during demonstrations.
The contempt proceedings arose from security measures implemented during the June 25 commemorations.
Those events were held to mark the anniversary of protests surrounding the 2024 Finance Bill.
Court Order Was Issued Earlier
A conservatory order had been issued by Justice Lawrence Mugambi in July 2025.
Police were required under the order to notify the public before establishing specified barriers during demonstrations.
The requirement was intended to regulate police restrictions during planned commemorative demonstrations.
However, several roads and routes leading toward Nairobi's CBD were blocked during the June events.
Areas mentioned in the proceedings included Roysambu, Kangemi, Ngong Road and City Mortuary Roundabout.
Other affected locations were reportedly identified around Uhuru Highway, Moi Avenue, Parliament Road and Karen.
Police Defence Presented
The contempt allegations had previously been disputed by Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohammed Mohamud.
The response was presented through an affidavit filed on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
It was argued that the June 25 roadblocks were not part of one centrally coordinated operation.
Personal responsibility for every barrier was therefore disputed within the police response to the application.
The court order was also argued not to constitute an absolute prohibition against security checkpoints.
Roadblocks and traffic diversions were similarly described as measures that remained available to police.
Kanja Held Personally Responsible
Those arguments were not found sufficient by Justice Nyaundi to demonstrate compliance with the order.
Particular concern was raised over whether adequate measures had been taken to provide advance public notice.
Kanja was consequently held personally responsible for the failure to comply with the court directions.
The contempt finding has now moved the proceedings toward mitigation and eventual sentencing.
The case had been brought before the court by Katiba Institute following the June restrictions.
The organisation had challenged the manner in which access to parts of Nairobi was restricted.
Protest Restrictions Under Scrutiny
The road closures were reported to have affected several routes and entry points around Nairobi.
The restrictions were also linked to disruptions involving people travelling for ordinary daily activities.
Families seeking to lay flowers at Parliament were reportedly prevented from accessing the area.
Tear gas was also reportedly deployed, while 355 people were arrested across the country.
The contempt proceedings have therefore placed police compliance with court orders under renewed scrutiny.
Kanja's September appearance will determine the next stage after the High Court's finding.
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