High Court Summons IG Douglas Kanja, DIG Eliud Lagat, Top Administration Officials in Gatoto School Contempt Case

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Lsk president Charles Kanjama,Martha Karua during a court proceeding ath the Milimani high court on july22,2026

The Milimani high court has summoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and other senior administration officials to appear in person on July 24, 2026, over alleged failure to comply with orders concerning the registration of Gatoto Primary School.

The officials were summoned after petitioners accused government agencies of repeatedly failing to implement orders issued earlier by Justice Bahati Mwamuye directing the registration of the school under the Basic Education Act.

Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, appearing for the first and second petitioners, told the court that the matter had previously come to court during which the respondents assured the court on each occasion that they would comply with the orders, but no meaningful progress had been made.

Kanjama said a further affidavit sworn by Ndambuki on July 15 detailed what the petitioners described as continued non-compliance and contempt of court. 

The affidavit also contained photographs allegedly showing a convoy carrying the petitioners, including a vehicle transporting Martha Karua, being stoned during an attempt to implement the court's directives.

Lsk president Charles Kanjama during a court proceedings on July 21,2026


The LSK president urged the court to find the summoned officials in contempt and order them to purge the contempt, while also seeking penalties and compensation over the alleged violence encountered during attempts to enforce the orders.

Kanjama further complained that Kanja had repeatedly failed to appear personally before the court, instead sending representatives while citing official engagements.

He asked the court to compel Kanja and Lagat to attend in person, warning that warrants of arrest should be issued if they failed to honour the summons.

“Day by day, the rule of law is being eroded, and we fear that unless the court affirms the full force of its authority, the daily erosion of the rule of law will become irreversible,” Kanjama told the court.

Lawyer Danstan Omari, appearing for the fifth respondent alongside Shadrack Wambui and Timothy Kilonzo, opposed the application against Kanja, arguing that the Inspector General was not a party to the proceedings and that an earlier application against him had already been dismissed.

While acknowledging that the school had not been re-registered, he argued that there was no evidence that any party was deliberately resisting the court's orders.

Representing the Attorney General, state counsel asked for more time, arguing that immediate implementation could disrupt learners preparing for Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examinations.

“The interest of the children is important. These are minors and their right to education is important,” the Attorney General's representative told the court.

“It is not that they will not comply. We are attempting to find a way to ensure compliance with the students who are waiting for the exams,” the representative added.

The presiding judge at the Milimani high court questioned the government's changing position, noting that it had initially sought a shorter compliance period, later argued that the orders were not contained in the ruling, and was now seeking to delay implementation until after the examinations.

Martha Karua opposed any further delay, insisting that the summoned officials should appear before the court and explain any challenges they faced.

“Let those summoned come to court. Let them come to court, and if there are any new matters arising, let them put it down in a formal manner,” Karua said.

The court declined the Attorney General's request to vacate some of the summons and directed Kanja, Lagat, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Senior Deputy County Commissioner for Embakasi South Erick Mulebi, the OCS concerned, Kwa Reuben Chief David Ndirangu, regional education officials and members of the County Education Board to appear personally.

The officials are expected to appear before the court on July 24, 2026, when the matter will come up for further directions.

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