The Katiba Institute has moved to the High Court seeking contempt proceedings against the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja accusing him of defying court orders by erecting roadblocks across major entry points into Nairobi during the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests.
In an application filed before the High Court in Nairobi, the institute argues that the police unlawfully blocked access to the city despite existing court orders prohibiting the mounting of roadblocks and barricades without prior public notice.
In a supporting affidavit, Katiba Institute Executive Director Nora Mbagathi states that on July 9, 2025, Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued conservatory orders restraining the Inspector General and officers under his command from blocking access to Nairobi’s Central Business District and other public roads without first issuing a timely public advisory.
According to Mbagathi, the court held that the orders were necessary to ensure members of the public were not inconvenienced by sudden road closures. She further states that on October 2, 2025, the court reaffirmed that the conservatory orders would remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the constitutional petition.
Katiba Institute argues that despite being fully aware of those orders, the Inspector General permitted police officers to mount roadblocks across numerous roads leading into Nairobi on June 25, 2026, without notifying the public in advance.
The application identifies several locations where roadblocks were allegedly erected, including Roysambu, Kangemi, Ngong Road, City Mortuary Roundabout, Integrity Centre, Moi Avenue, Parliament Road, Karen, Kitengela, Ruiru, Githurai and Kimbo.
Mbagathi says the closures severely disrupted movement across the city, affecting thousands of Kenyans travelling to work, school and hospitals. She states that health workers and ambulances were forced to turn back, while boda boda riders and taxi operators attempting to access the city were arrested. Many commuters, she adds, were unable to report to work because of the barricades.
Katiba Institute argues that the actions amounted to a deliberate disregard of binding court orders and undermined the authority of the judiciary.
The institute maintains that the Inspector General’s conduct constitutes a serious interference with the administration of justice and demonstrates blatant disregard for the rule of law.
It is now asking the High Court to find the Inspector General in contempt of court and impose appropriate sanctions for the alleged disobedience of the court’s orders.
