The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The High Court has spared Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from a custodial sentence after finding him in contempt over police failure to comply with an order governing road barricades during demonstrations.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi said Kanja had personally appeared before the court alongside senior police officers and assured the court that the directive would be respected and implemented going forward.
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Taking the assurance into account, the judge decided to pardon Kanja but issued him with a stern warning that any repeat violation could result in a jail sentence.
The court had found that police breached an existing order requiring compliance with specific conditions before roads could be barricaded during demonstrations. The failure was found to have interfered with members of the public and their freedom of movement.
Justice Nyaundi said contempt proceedings were necessary to reinforce the authority of court orders and uphold the rule of law.
The judge also noted Kanja’s assurance that he had instructed officers under his command to comply with court directives.
The High Court made it clear that a future breach would expose the police chief to tougher sanctions, including possible imprisonment.
The case arose from police roadblocks and barricades erected around Nairobi during the June 25, 2026 demonstrations, which the court had previously found were mounted without the required public advisory.
The court is expected to provide further guidance on the responsibilities of the National Police Service in ensuring compliance with judicial orders and protecting constitutional rights.
