Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja escaped a jail term after the High Court found him in contempt over the closure of roads in Nairobi during the June 25 protests
Justice Patricia Nyaundi spared Kanja imprisonment after he appeared personally before the court and gave an undertaking to ensure that police comply with existing court orders on roadblocks and road closures
The court had directed police to provide members of the public with prior notice before closing roads or erecting roadblocks. The orders were at the centre of the contempt proceedings against the Inspector General.
In her ruling on Monday, Justice Nyaundi warned Kanja that the reprieve should not be taken lightly, stating that a repeat violation of the court's orders could lead to a custodial sentence.
Kanja assured the court that he would ensure officers under his command respect and implement the directives issued by the judiciary.
The ruling places renewed attention on the responsibilities of senior police commanders in ensuring that officers comply with court orders, particularly during periods of public demonstrations and heightened security operations.
It also underscores the requirement for law enforcement agencies to balance public order measures with adherence to constitutional and judicial safeguards governing the rights of members of the public.
For now, Kanja remains out of custody, but the court has made clear that any future breach could have more serious consequences.