High Court Halts Police Roadblocks in Nairobi CBD, Citing Constitutional Violations
Quote from Lawyer on July 9, 2025, 10:38 amNairobi, Kenya - In a significant ruling, the High Court has barred Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from ordering the establishment of roadblocks within Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). The decision, delivered by Justice Lawrence Mugambi on Wednesday, comes in response to actions taken by the National Police Service on July 7, which the court deemed a violation of fundamental constitutional rights.
The court's ruling specifically highlighted that the police's erection of roadblocks infringed upon the freedoms of movement, assembly, and protest, as enshrined in Articles 37 and 39 of the Kenyan Constitution. Justice Mugambi emphasized that these rights are cornerstones of democratic expression and must be protected to ensure citizens can exercise them without undue restriction.
The National Police Service had implemented the roadblocks on Monday, July 7, in a move that sparked widespread public concern. Many viewed the barriers as an attempt to curb demonstrations and limit access to key areas of the capital. The court's intervention underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding constitutional protections against overreach by state authorities.
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in ongoing discussions about the balance between public safety measures and the preservation of civil liberties in Kenya. It also serves as a reminder of the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rights of citizens to move freely, assemble, and express dissent within the bounds of the law.
The decision has been welcomed by activists and civil society groups, who argue that such measures are critical to maintaining democratic freedoms in the country. As the situation develops, attention will now turn to how the National Police Service responds to the court's directive and whether this ruling will influence future policing strategies in Nairobi and beyond.
Nairobi, Kenya - In a significant ruling, the High Court has barred Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja from ordering the establishment of roadblocks within Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). The decision, delivered by Justice Lawrence Mugambi on Wednesday, comes in response to actions taken by the National Police Service on July 7, which the court deemed a violation of fundamental constitutional rights.
The court's ruling specifically highlighted that the police's erection of roadblocks infringed upon the freedoms of movement, assembly, and protest, as enshrined in Articles 37 and 39 of the Kenyan Constitution. Justice Mugambi emphasized that these rights are cornerstones of democratic expression and must be protected to ensure citizens can exercise them without undue restriction.
The National Police Service had implemented the roadblocks on Monday, July 7, in a move that sparked widespread public concern. Many viewed the barriers as an attempt to curb demonstrations and limit access to key areas of the capital. The court's intervention underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding constitutional protections against overreach by state authorities.
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in ongoing discussions about the balance between public safety measures and the preservation of civil liberties in Kenya. It also serves as a reminder of the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rights of citizens to move freely, assemble, and express dissent within the bounds of the law.
The decision has been welcomed by activists and civil society groups, who argue that such measures are critical to maintaining democratic freedoms in the country. As the situation develops, attention will now turn to how the National Police Service responds to the court's directive and whether this ruling will influence future policing strategies in Nairobi and beyond.