The High Court has issued conservatory orders barring Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from erecting barricades or blocking roads in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during public protests.

The ruling by Justice Lawrence Mugambi on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, will remain in effect pending the determination of a petition filed by the Katiba Institute.

The orders come in response to a case challenging recent police actions that led to the closure of major roads and public spaces ahead of the Saba Saba protests and the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations. In the ruling judge Mugambi said closures were arbitrary, excessive, and in violation of constitutional rights, including freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, and access to public spaces.

“Pending the hearing of the application, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the Inspector General of the National Police Service, or any officer under his command, from mounting barricades or blocking roads that prevent citizens from accessing the CBD without issuing a timely advisory or public notice,” Justice Mugambi ruled.

The judge criticized the government for unilaterally restricting access to the CBD without notifying the public, calling the move disruptive and lacking transparency.

Represented by lawyer Joshua Malidzo Nyawa, the Katiba Institute said recent police operations had caused widespread disruption, including delays in emergency services, adjournments in court proceedings, and restricted access to workplaces.

“In recent days, security agencies under IG Kanja’s command have cordoned off large parts of Nairobi’s CBD, halting business and public transport,” Nyawa said. “These actions are unconstitutional and economically harmful.”

Justice Mugambi noted that during the Saba Saba protests, ambulances were blocked from reaching hospitals, courts were forced to adjourn due to lack of staff, and ordinary Kenyans were unable to access their workplaces.

The court directed Katiba Institute to file and serve written submissions within 14 days. IG Douglas Kanja and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, who have not yet responded to the suit, were ordered to do so within seven days.

The case will be mentioned again on October 2, 2025, for further directions.