Katiba Institute filed a claim against the Inspector General of Police, alleging contempt for setting roadblocks across Nairobi during the June 25 celebrations.
In an urgent court application submitted on Friday, the rights group contended that the barricades violated standing court orders.
It seeks to have the High Court hold the state in contempt and impose sanctions for the alleged disregard of earlier restrictive orders.
The applicants name the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General as defendants.
Katiba notes that the court had already restrained police from erecting barricades that cut access to the Central Business District and other public roads without prior notice.
Judicial documents show that Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued provisional restraining orders on 9 July 2025, directing the police not to block entry into the CBD or other roads without timely advisories.
The application quotes the court’s view that the relief was necessary to prevent unanticipated inconvenience whenever the first respondent (IG) blocked public roads.
The firm states that the orders were reaffirmed during the October 2, 2025, direction hearing.
Despite those directives, police mounted roadblocks across several Nairobi entry points on 25 June 2026, allegedly without prior notification.
Katiba highlights that the barricades impeded movement at multiple sites.
These include Roysambu, Kangemi, Ngong Road, City Mortuary roundabout, Integrity Centre, Uhuru Highway, Moi Avenue, Parliament Road, Karen, Kitengela, Ruiru, Githurai, and other access points.
The group argues that the blockades disrupted everyday activities, affecting commuters traveling for work, healthcare, and other essential tasks.
The petition asserts that the orders were clear, still in force, and that the government was aware of them.
It describes the conduct as a deliberate breach of the court’s orders, warranting immediate judicial action.
The applicant fears that ongoing non‑compliance would erode the court’s authority and public trust in the judicial system.
Katiba also refers to statements before the anniversary, noting that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had said June 25 would be a normal working and school day.
The organisation explained to the court that while some citizens sought to observe the second anniversary of the June 25 demonstrations, others anticipated regular daily routines and expected unimpeded access to the city.
The petition requests the application to be treated as urgent, the Inspector General to be cited for contempt, and sanctions imposed if the court finds the earlier directives violated.
The case is slated to proceed before the High Court for further directions.