26 June 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya

Yesterday, as Kenyans gathered in peaceful processions to honour the memories of those who lost their lives during the June 2024 Finance Bill protests, the National Police Service (NPS) once again chose to defy the rule of law. Despite clear assurances from the Interior Ministry that it would be “business as usual,” heavily armed police erected unannounced barricades across major public roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District.  

In response to this blatant disregard for the judiciary, Katiba Institute has formally filed a contempt of court application seeking to hold Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja accountable for violating standing court orders. 

Background on the Violated Court Order 

Last year, following similar disruptions during the June 2025 anniversary protests, Katiba Institute filed a petition with the High Court (Katiba Institute Vs State Law Office, Petition No. E389 of 2025). The Court issued strict conservatory orders restraining the Inspector General of Police and any subordinate officers from mounting barricades or roadblocks on public roads without issuing a timely, advance advisory to the public.  

This ruling was issued to balance public safety with Kenyans’ fundamental rights, explicitly noting that unannounced roadblocks: 

• Infringe on the constitutional right to freedom of movement (Article 39) and peaceful assembly (Article 37).  
• Endanger lives by blocking emergency medical services and ambulances.  
• Disrupt economic activity and unnecessarily paralyse the justice system by blocking access to courts.  

Violations of 25 June 2026 

From the early hours of Thursday morning, motorists and pedestrians were blocked or forced to turn back at unannounced police roadblocks on major arteries, including Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and routes near Parliament. These actions directly contradict the High Court’s directives and undermine the state’s public commitments.  

Public statements by police leadership, defending these roadblocks as routine security checks, do not exempt the NPS from the legal requirement to provide prior public notice. 

Public order and human rights are not mutually exclusive. The continued use of unconstitutional measures to suppress peaceful acts of remembrance is unacceptable in a democratic society. We urge the courts to act swiftly to uphold the Constitution and remind the National Police Service that no individual or institution is above the law.  

-Ends- 

Download Full Press Statement

Read the Application