Police Chief Kanja pardoned by High Court over protest roadblock breach

A High Court judge has pardoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja following contempt proceedings regarding the National Police Service's failure to comply with a court order. The order prohibited police from barricading roads during demonstrations, an action the court found interfered with citizens’ freedom of movement.

Justice Patricia Nyaundi granted the pardon after Kanja appeared in person alongside senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin. The judge noted that Kanja’s personal attendance and his assurance that the directive would be respected in the future influenced the decision to show leniency.

However, the court issued a stern warning that any future violations of the order could result in a custodial sentence for the police chief. The High Court directed the National Police Service to strictly adhere to the prohibition on road barricades to uphold the rule of law and protect judicial authority.