The High Court has temporarily stopped Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from placing roadblocks in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during demonstrations.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the conservatory orders on Wednesday.
This came after the Katiba Institute filed a petition challenging the police’s decision to close down key roads and public spaces during the June 25 Gen Z protest and the recent Saba Saba demonstrations.
The Judge criticised the government for shutting down access to the city centre without giving the public advance notice.
He called the move disruptive and said it lacked transparency.
“Pending the hearing of the application, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the 1st Respondent, the Inspector General of the National Police Service Kanja, or any officer under his command, from mounting barricades or blocking roads that prevent citizens from accessing the Central Business District, without issuing a timely advisory or public notice prior to such emergency measures,” Justice Mugambi ruled.
Katiba Institute, through lawyer Joshua Malidzo Nyawa, argued that the police actions involved the use of excessive force and arbitrary restrictions.
They said these measures violated rights protected by the Constitution, including freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, and access to public spaces.
The petitioners claimed that by enforcing sweeping restrictions, the police were effectively shutting down legitimate protests and limiting civic freedoms.
Justice Mugambi, in his ruling, observed that the Saba Saba protests had led to blocked ambulance routes, court adjournments due to absent staff or witnesses, and many Kenyans being unable to reach their places of work.
“In recent days, security agencies under the instruction of the IG Kanja have cordoned off large portions of Nairobi’s CBD, bringing business and public transport to a halt,” Nyawa said.
“These actions are not only unconstitutional but also harmful to the economy.”
Road Blocks Erected during Saba Saba Protests
On Monday, Anti-riot police set up roadblocks on key roads leading into Nairobi’s CBD.
Security officers blocked both public and private vehicles from entering the city centre, conducting searches along several main routes.
The roadblocks were placed on major roads including Waiyaki Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Uhuru Highway, Valley Road, and other major access points.
Only emergency service vehicles and government cars were permitted to pass through the police barricades.
The extensive police deployment and closure of key roads disrupted normal movement into and within the capital, as the city braced for any potential escalation related to the Saba Saba events.