Kisumu High Court summons IG Kanja, AG over failure to enact protest regulations
By Zipporah Ngwatu, July 7, 2026A Kisumu High Court has summoned the Inspector General of Police (IG), National Police Service (NPS), and Attorney General (AG) to appear before it on July 21, 2026, at 9 am over contempt of court orders.
In the said judgement issued on March 25, 2026, Justice Alfred Mabeya had directed IG, NPS and the AG to prepare, develop and publish within 90 days public order management regulations to regulate and manage public demonstrations and picketing in exercise of the right and that for 37 of the Constitution.
While summoning them to appear before him, Judge Mabeya, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the 90 days he had given the IG, NPS and AG to develop and publish the protests management regulations expired on June 24, 2026.
Judge Mabeya noted that, 13 days after the expiry of the dates the court had given, there is nothing to prove to the court that the orders he issued have been implemented.
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Failed to request an extension
Further, he has stated that if indeed the respondent felt they would be unable to comply with the court’s directive within the time the court had given, they should have filed an application requesting an extension of time before today.
“There is nothing on record to show that the same directive was complied with. Learned counsel Mr. Kaju has admitted as such. He requests for a few days to explain,” Judge Mabeya stated.
“Accordingly, since there is no reason to record why the IG, NPS and AG disobeyed the order of March 25, 2026, they are hereby summoned to appear before this court and show cause why action should not be taken against them for their contempt,” Justice Mabeya ordered.
Judge Mabeya issued the directive after stating that the court had observed firsthand in the petition filed by the families of people injured and killed in Kisumu and Migori during the 2023 protests.
He noted that his order came after the court noted that for far too long, many have died and been maimed while either trying to exercise that right or while being innocent as bystanders.
In addition, he said that one death is too many, considering the history of the conduct of the IG and police.
The directive stems from the petition filed by over 25 petitioners who met police brutality, which resulted in injuries and death during protests over the high cost of living and other grievances against the government.