High Court Spares IG Kanja, Threatens Jail Over Protest Roadblocks

Anticipation filled the courtroom on Monday as senior security officials awaited the High Court’s directions on contempt proceedings against Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. The court ultimately pardoned Kanja after finding that the National Police Service had failed to comply with an earlier order prohibiting officers from barricading roads during public demonstrations.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi delivered the ruling following Kanja’s personal appearance in court. The police chief stood alongside high-ranking officials, including Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, as well as Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin.

Justice Nyaundi noted that Kanja’s physical presence and explicit commitment to abide by judicial directives going forward influenced the court’s decision to grant clemency. She highlighted that the police chief demonstrated a clear plan for implementing the injunction during future protests and confirmed that he had already instructed his officers to obey judicial directives.

“Noting that you have attended court in person, appreciating that you have undertaken and given assurance that this will not happen again, I shall pardon you,” the court ruled.

“I appreciate that you have emphasised to your officers that court orders must be complied with,” the judge said.

The court determined that the police force’s actions directly violated citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement. Justice Nyaundi pointed out that contempt proceedings play a vital role in protecting the authority of the judiciary and safeguarding the rule of law.

Despite granting the pardon, the High Court issued a strict warning against any future non-compliance, indicating that the court will take much harsher measures if the National Police Service repeats the infraction.

The judge warned that any new violation of the order could result in a custodial sentence against the police chief.

The High Court directed the National Police Service to respect and fully comply with the ban on blocking roads during demonstrations. Justice Nyaundi added that the court’s forthcoming detailed ruling will further outline the police service’s constitutional responsibility to maintain public order while strictly upholding judicial decisions.

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