The High Court has ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to appear on September 22, 2026, for mitigation and sentencing after finding him in contempt of court. Justice Patricia Nyaundi made the determination over the actions of police officers on June 25, when several roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District were barricaded, restricting access to the city centre.

The court found that the roadblocks were put up in breach of an existing conservatory order requiring police to issue prior public notice before erecting barricades or roadblocks during events marking the anniversary of the June 2024 Finance Bill protests.

In her ruling, Justice Nyaundi held Kanja personally responsible for the violation of the court order and found the police action amounted to contempt.

Kanja is expected to return to court on September 22 to present his mitigation before the court proceeds to determine his sentence.

The decision comes amid continued scrutiny of police conduct during demonstrations and other public events in Nairobi, particularly during commemorations of the 2024 Finance Bill protests.