The High Court has pardoned Inspector General of Police IG Kanja after finding him guilty of contempt of court for unannounced road closures during public protests.
According to the judge’s ruling on Monday, September 28, 2026, Justice Patricia Nyaundi discharged the Inspector General with a stern warning after he personally appeared in court and committed to strictly enforcing judicial directives across the police service.
“So on this occasion, noting that you have attended court personally, accompanied by 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, as of this, I will pardon you with a stern warning that if there is a recurrence of this issue, I shall not hesitate to consider a custodial sentence.” High Court Judge Justice Patricia Nyaundi
Inspector General Kanja had been found personally in contempt after police mounted roadblocks and barricades around Nairobi on June 25, 2026, without issuing the public advisory required under an earlier court order.
The case stems from legal action taken by civil society organization Katiba Institute, which moved to court arguing that the police had violated clear judicial orders by restricting access to public roads across the capital without prior notice.
What Claim Did Katiba Institute Make in the High Court Over IG Kanja’s Nairobi Protest Roadblocks?
Katiba Institute contended that despite binding orders issued in July 2025, police erected unannounced barricades at several entry points into Nairobi at the areas of Roysambu, Kangemi, Ngong Road, City Mortuary Roundabout, Integrity Centre, Uhuru Highway, Moi Avenue, Parliament Road, Karen, Kitengela, Ruiru, and Githurai.
The lobby group argued that these unannounced security blockades restricted public access, severely disrupted normal economic activities, and hindered citizens traveling for work, healthcare, and daily engagements.
In court papers filed in response to the contempt application, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohammed Mohamud argued that the roadblocks and security checkpoints were reactive measures responding to emerging security concerns rather than part of a centrally coordinated plan.
The police also argued that the existing court orders did not impose an absolute prohibition on roadblocks, security checkpoints, or traffic diversions during civil unrest.
Despite these arguments from police command, Justice Nyaundi ruled that the failure to issue prior public advisories directly violated court directives, placing personal responsibility on the Inspector General to ensure compliance across all ranks.
Following Kanja’s personal appearance alongside Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and DCI Director Mohamed Amin, the High Court closed the contempt proceedings with a decisive warning, establishing that any future unannounced road closures will lead directly to custodial sentencing.
