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

Justice Lawrence Mugambi delivered the ruling on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in response to a petition filed by rights group Katiba Institute, which challenged recent police actions that shut down key parts of the city during the Saba Saba demonstrations.

“Pending the hearing and determination of the petition, a conservatory order is hereby issued requiring the Inspector General or officers under his command to remove the barbed wires, barricades, and roadblocks restricting public access to the CBD and its streets except for reasonable perimeters around protected areas,” ruled Justice Mugambi.

The judge criticized the police for unilaterally sealing off the city without public notice, describing the move as disruptive and lacking transparency.

Katiba Institute, represented by lawyer Joshua Malidzo Nyawa, argued that the police had acted in an arbitrary and excessive manner, infringing on fundamental rights such as freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, and access to public spaces.

“The sweeping restrictions imposed ahead of the protests were unconstitutional and economically damaging,” Nyawa told the court. He added that the blockade caused massive disruption, including delays in emergency response, adjournment of court sessions, and denial of access to workplaces and public offices.

“Security agencies, acting under the instructions of the IG, cordoned off large portions of the CBD, paralyzing transport and business,” he said.

Justice Mugambi noted that on the day of the Saba Saba protests, ambulances were blocked from reaching hospitals, court operations were stalled due to staff and witness absence, and ordinary citizens were unable to go about their day-to-day activities.

The case will now proceed to a full hearing.