Katiba Institute has moved to court seeking to have the Inspector General of Police cited for alleged contempt over the erection of roadblocks across Nairobi during the June 25 commemorations.
In an urgent application filed on Friday, the rights organisation argues that the roadblocks were erected in violation of existing court orders.
They are asking the High Court to cite the State for contempt and impose appropriate sanctions for what it describes as disobedience of conservatory orders issued in an earlier case.
Those sued are the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General.
Katiba Institute argues that the court had previously restrained police from mounting barricades and roadblocks that block access to Nairobi’s Central Business District and other public roads without first issuing a timely public notice.
According to court documents, Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued interim conservatory orders on July 9, 2025, directing that police should not block entry into the CBD or public roads without prior advisory to allow members of the public to plan their activities.
"The Court expressed the view that the interim relief was necessary as it would serve ‘to ensure that the public is not inconvenienced without prior notice whenever the 1st respondent(IG) decides to block public roads to prevent access’," reads the application.
The organisation says the orders were reiterated when the matter came up for directions on October 2, 2025.
The applicant contends that despite the existence of those orders, police mounted roadblocks across several entry points into Nairobi on June 25, 2026, allegedly without prior notice.
Katiba Institute claims the barricades affected movement at multiple locations.
They cited Roysambu, Kangemi, Ngong Road, City Mortuary roundabout, Integrity Centre, Uhuru Highway, Moi Avenue, Parliament Road, Karen, Kitengela, Ruiru, Githurai, and other access points.
The organisation argues that the measures disrupted normal activity and affected people travelling for work, healthcare, and other daily engagements.
In its pleadings, Katiba Institute says the orders were clear and remained in force, adding that the government had knowledge of their existence.
“The conduct set out above constitutes a direct and deliberate violation of the orders of this Honourable Court and warrants immediate judicial intervention,” the application states.
The applicant further argues that continued non-compliance would undermine the authority of the court and public confidence in the judicial process.
Katiba Institute also cites public statements made ahead of the commemorations, noting that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had indicated that June 25 would remain a normal working and school day.
The organisation told the court that while some Kenyans intended to participate in activities marking the second anniversary of the June 25 demonstrations, others planned to proceed with ordinary daily activities and expected access into the city.
Among the orders sought, Katiba Institute wants the application certified as urgent, the Inspector General to be cited in contempt of court, and punishment imposed should the court establish disobedience of its earlier directives.
The matter is expected to proceed before the High Court for directions.
