Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has escaped a custodial sentence after the High Court pardoned him over the barricading of roads during demonstrations in Nairobi.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi on Monday warned Kanja that he could face jail if police repeat the violation of a court order requiring the public to be notified before roads are barricaded.
The court had earlier found Kanja in contempt after police mounted roadblocks around Nairobi on June 25, 2026, without issuing the required public advisory.
The barricades restricted access to the Central Business District and affected members of the public travelling into and around Nairobi.
Justice Nyaundi said the restrictions interfered with citizens’ freedom of movement and stressed the importance of obeying court orders.
The judge, however, took into account Kanja’s appearance in court and his undertaking that the police would comply with the order going forward.
“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.
Kanja had also demonstrated how the order would be implemented and assured the court that he had directed officers under his command to comply with court orders.
The court warned that a repeat violation would attract a tougher response, including a possible custodial sentence.
The contempt case arose from police roadblocks erected on June 25 during commemorations linked to the second anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
A July 2025 court order had barred Kanja and officers under his command from barricading roads or blocking access to Nairobi’s CBD without issuing a timely public advisory.
In its earlier ruling, the High Court rejected the argument that police operational procedures could override the court order.
“Operational procedures cannot override a court order,” Justice Nyaundi said in the earlier ruling.
The court said its detailed ruling would address the responsibility of the National Police Service in ensuring compliance with the law and court orders.
The latest decision means Kanja will not be jailed over the June roadblocks, but the warning places the police command on notice over future demonstrations and emergency road closures.