The High Court has pardoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja after finding him in contempt over police roadblocks and barricades mounted across Nairobi during the June protests.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi delivered the ruling on Monday, at Milimani High Court, but issued a stern warning that a repeat violation would attract a custodial sentence.
Kanja appeared in person alongside Deputy IGs Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, DCI boss Mohamed Amin and other senior officers.
He apologised for not responding earlier in person and assured the court police will respect judicial orders.
“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,” Justice Nyaundi ruled.
The contempt arose from police barricading roads leading into Nairobi CBD during commemorations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
But without issuing the timely public advisory required by a conservatory order issued by Justice Lawrence Mugambi on July 9, 2025.
The court had found that the barricades interfered with freedom of movement and rejected the argument that they were spontaneous security measures.
Kanja said there was no intention to defy the court and pledged to cascade compliance within the National Police Service.
