The High Court has pardoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja after finding him in contempt of court over police roadblocks and barricades erected during the June 25, 2026 protests in Nairobi.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi, while delivering her ruling on Monday, September 28, said the court had opted against imposing a punitive sentence on the police chief but warned that any repeat violation could result in a custodial sentence.
The judge noted that Kanja had personally appeared before the court alongside senior police officers and assured the court that its orders would be communicated and implemented throughout the National Police Service.
Justice Nyaundi said the court had no interest in punishing Kanja but would take tougher action if he failed to comply with future orders.
She consequently pardoned him, while issuing a stern warning that a recurrence could lead to imprisonment.
The contempt proceedings arose from roadblocks and barricades mounted by police during the June 25 demonstrations in Nairobi.
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The court had previously found that Kanja failed to ensure compliance with orders requiring police under his command to issue timely public notices before closing roads or establishing checkpoints.
According to the court, such notices are necessary to give members of the public an opportunity to plan their journeys and avoid disruptions caused by unexpected road closures and police checkpoints.
Justice Nyaundi further noted that the case went beyond the regulation of demonstrations under Article 37 of the Constitution.
She said the proceedings also touched on the constitutional right to freedom of movement under Article 39, as well as the obligations placed on the police service under Articles 10 and 244.
The court’s decision allows Kanja to avoid a custodial sentence on this occasion, but leaves open the possibility of imprisonment should similar non-compliance occur in future.
