NAIROBI, Kenya – The arrest of software developer and civic activist Rose Njeri has sparked a wave of outrage from lawyers, human rights organisations, and the wider public, who are accusing the government of using state power to silence dissent over the controversial Finance Bill 2025.
Njeri, who was arrested in Nairobi’s South B estate on Friday afternoon and taken to Pangani Police Station, is the creator of Civic Email, a web-based tool that helps Kenyans send structured objections to their elected representatives regarding the Finance Bill.
She has now spent more than 24 hours in police custody without bail, formal charges, or clear explanation from authorities—a move that legal experts say violates her constitutional rights.
“This young woman made some comments on the Finance Bill that were not well received by those in authority. In my view, this is most unfortunate,” said veteran lawyer John Khaminwa, who has been part of efforts to secure her release.
Khaminwa said his request for bail was rejected by the officer in charge, who claimed his “hands were tied.”
Legal Stonewalling
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has not publicly stated the reason for Njeri’s arrest.
According to her legal team, DCI officers have directed them to the Serious Crimes unit—without providing further clarity.
“All efforts to secure her release on police bail have been frustrated by the officers in charge, who have yet to respond to counsel’s requests,” said Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo.
Rights groups including The Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) have described the arrest as a blatant attempt to suppress civic expression.
“Anyone charged with a crime should be produced before court as soon as possible. Rose was brought to Pangani at 1 p.m. yesterday. There has been ample time to process bail,” said TISA Executive Director Diana Gichengo, adding that Njeri is anemic and still has not been shown any formal charges.
Mounting Public Pressure
News of the arrest quickly went viral on social media under the hashtag #FreeRoseNjeri, with many Kenyans expressing anger at what they see as an attack on digital freedoms and democratic participation.
“This is happening just days after the President issued a public apology to the youth,” said Gichengo, referencing remarks by President William Ruto at the National Prayer Breakfast earlier this week.
“It raises serious questions about the freedoms we are supposed to enjoy when even senior counsel are forced to work late into the night trying to secure justice.”
Njeri’s arrest also highlights growing tensions around public participation in the Finance Bill 2025 debate, which has faced mounting criticism from citizens over proposed tax hikes and new levies.
Lawyers say her case sets a worrying precedent for civic tech developers and digital activists.
As of Saturday evening, Njeri remained in custody with her fate uncertain—and calls for her release growing louder.
