IG Kanja ordered to appear in court over Finance Bill protest barricades

Justice Patricia Nyaundi issued the finding over the conduct of police officers on June 25, 2026, when roads leading into Nairobi's Central Business District were barricaded, blocking access into the city centre.

According to the court, the barricades were erected in direct violation of an existing conservatory order that required police to issue prior public notice before mounting roadblocks or barricades during the commemoration of the June 2024 Finance Bill protests.

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

Kanja has now been directed to appear before the court to make submissions in mitigation before a sentence is handed down.

The matter will be mentioned on September 22, when the court is expected to hear the mitigation and proceed with sentencing.

The ruling adds to growing scrutiny of police conduct during public demonstrations and commemorative events in Nairobi, particularly around the anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, which have remained a flashpoint for tension between law enforcement and civil society.