NAIROBI, Kenya – July 1, 2025 — The High Court has issued a landmark ruling barring Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from directing the erection of roadblocks within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), a move seen as a major win for civil liberties in Kenya.
In his decision, Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the National Police Service had violated Articles 37 and 39 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantee the right to freedom of movement, assembly, and peaceful protest.
“Pending the hearing of the application, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the Inspector General of the National Police Service, or any officer subordinate to him, from suspending Articles 37 and 39 of the Constitution by cancelling, disrupting, or interfering in any way with the right to assemble, protest, or picket while peaceful and unarmed,” the ruling stated.
The case was filed by Katiba Institute, a constitutional watchdog, which argued that the police’s actions amounted to an unlawful suspension of human rights, contrary to Article 23.
On Monday, July 7, police erected multiple roadblocks across Nairobi, blocking access to the CBD and forcing hundreds of citizens to return home or find alternate routes.
Widespread Disruption and Legal Pushback
Motorists were stranded along major roads including Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, Thika Road, Lang’ata Road, Juja Road, and Valley Road, where security forces used barbed wire, spikes, and heavy barricades.
The state had argued that the roadblocks were necessary to prevent a third wave of anti-government protests led by Gen Z. However, Justice Mugambi dismissed the justification as excessive and disproportionate.
“The barbed wires, barricades, and police blocks blocking citizens from accessing the Central Business District must be removed, save for a reasonable and limited perimeter around protected areas,” he ordered.
The ruling comes in the wake of nationwide concern over police brutality and the excessive use of force during demonstrations. On the same day, several protesters were injured in running battles in various estates after the roadblocks diverted crowds into residential zones.
Business and Economic Impact
Nairobi businesses suffered heavy losses on July 7 as the city center became inaccessible to both customers and staff. Multiple shops, banks, and transport operators were forced to shut down operations due to the restricted movement.
A photo shared by journalist @wabwoto on X (formerly Twitter) showed a roadblock mounted at Bunyala Roundabout, one of the many choke points across the city.
Justice Mugambi’s ruling is expected to guide future policing of demonstrations in Kenya, ensuring that security measures remain constitutional and proportionate.
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