Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was on Monday pardoned by the High Court after he was found in contempt for disobeying an order that police should not mount roadblocks during demonstrations to mark the second anniversary of the June 2024 Gen-Z protests honouring those who lost their lives agitating for better governance.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi warned IG Kanja of dire consequences in the event he disobeys court orders in future.
She opted to pardon the police boss rather than deliver a ruling because his personal appearance, assurances of compliance and commitment to relay the order across the police service in future of such orders was proof of his remorse.
IG Kanja was in court alongside senior ranking police officers including Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin.
On June 25, 2026, during the protest march to mark the anniversary, opposition leaders and other activists marched through Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Parliament Buildings in commemoration of those who lost their lives during the June 25, 2024, anti-government protests, as demonstrators renewed calls for justice and accountability.
The procession was led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Siaya Governor James Orengo, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, activist Boniface Mwangi and other political figures and civil society leaders.
The leaders locked arms as they walked through the city, describing the march as a tribute to what they termed the “fallen heroes” of peaceful protests in both June 2024 and June 2025.
During the standoff in June 2026, police mounted roadblocks along the Thika Superhighway with anti-riot police blocking pedestrians and vehicles heading towards the capital.
Motorists were turned back at several checkpoints, causing disruptions to transport and commuter movement.
Security officers established roadblocks in Thika, Ruiru, Juja, Kahawa and Githurai, with authorities intensifying security measures amid expectations of large crowds gathering for the commemorative protests.
There was restricted access to the CBD, with major streets remaining largely deserted during the morning hours.
Police maintained a visible presence at key entry points to the city, especially along the intersection of Landhies Road and Jogoo Road, as they monitored movements and enforced the restrictions.
Additional roadblocks were set up along major highways and roads including Waiyaki Way and the Ongata Rongai route, affecting both private and public transport operators.
In Uthiru along Waiyaki Way, buses and shuttles from upcountry, especially from Nyanza and Western Kenya, were blocked from accessing the city.
Many travellers on that day lost a lot in terms of resources, time and mental readiness because of the disruptions.
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