Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was pardoned after assuring the court that police would comply with its order on protest road barricades.
The court pardoned the police chief after he pledged compliance with an order against road barricades during demonstrations, but warned that another breach could lead to jail.
The High Court has pardoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over a breach of an order on road barricades.
The court, however, warned that another violation could lead to a custodial sentence.
Kanja appeared before the court alongside other senior police officers and assured the judge of future compliance.
Following his undertaking, the judge considered his personal attendance before granting the pardon.
However, the court stressed that the pardon does not remove the police obligation to obey the existing order.
Court Defends Freedom of Movement
The court said police actions had interfered with citizens’ freedom of movement during demonstrations.
Consequently, the judge said contempt proceedings were necessary to reinforce respect for court orders.
The order prohibits police from barricading roads during demonstrations.
Accordingly, the court directed the National Police Service to observe the restriction strictly.
Meanwhile, the judge linked compliance with the order to the police responsibility to uphold the law.
The proceedings therefore addressed both the alleged breach and the police leadership’s response.
Kanja Assures Court of Compliance
Kanja explained how police would implement the court’s order going forward.
He also told the court that he had directed officers to comply with judicial orders.
The judge acknowledged those assurances when considering the contempt proceedings.
In addition, Kanja’s personal appearance contributed to the decision to pardon him.
However, the court made clear that the undertaking must translate into actual police conduct.
The prohibition on road barricades therefore remains unchanged.
Repeat Breach Could Lead to Jail
The judge warned Kanja that another violation could result in a custodial sentence.
That warning means the Inspector General could face personal consequences if police breach the order again.
For now, the court has accepted his undertaking and closed the contempt issue with a pardon.
However, the police leadership remains responsible for ensuring officers follow the directive.
Court to Address Police Responsibility
The court also indicated that its detailed ruling would examine the National Police Service’s responsibilities.
In particular, the ruling will address the police duty to protect and uphold the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the existing order against barricading roads during demonstrations remains in force.
Therefore, police must comply with the directive whenever they manage demonstrations.
The court’s warning underscores that future breaches could attract stronger sanctions.
For now, Kanja has avoided a custodial sentence after personally assuring the court of compliance.
