KENYA’s police are facing fresh legal scrutiny after authorities shut down parts of central Nairobi during protests marking the second anniversary of the country’s Gen Z uprising, with a rights group accusing the security agency of defying a court order.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Katiba Institute has filed a contempt of court case against Kenya’s Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, alleging that police authorities ignored an existing court directive by erecting unannounced roadblocks across the capital ahead of Thursday’s memorial protest.
The demonstrations were organised to honour victims of the 2024 anti-government protests, which were triggered by rising living costs and widespread allegations of corruption before culminating in protesters storming Parliament.
The Kenyan government, however, defended the decision to restrict movement across central Nairobi, insisting that the roadblocks were necessary after intelligence reports indicated that criminal groups planned to infiltrate the demonstrations, loot businesses and attack civilians.
Rights activists have rejected the government’s justification, arguing that the police action violated citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement and unlawfully curtailed peaceful acts of remembrance.
They further alleged that the roadblocks obstructed ambulances and other emergency services, worsening the impact of the restrictions on residents and businesses within the city.
The legal action comes amid mounting concerns over police conduct during public demonstrations in Kenya.
According to Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority, at least 127 people were killed during protests held in 2024 and 2025, with security forces facing accusations of excessive use of force and operating with near-total impunity.
The contempt proceedings are expected to test whether Kenya’s police leadership can be held accountable for allegedly disobeying court orders while managing public protests and maintaining law and order.
