NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan software developer and activist Rose Njeri is facing government opposition following her creation of “Civic Email,” an online platform designed to enable public submission of objections to the Finance Bill 2025.
Njeri was apprehended in South B on Friday 30, May 2025 afternoon and subsequently taken to Pangani Police Station.
Her detention has sparked widespread online criticism, with human rights advocates demanding an explanation for her continued custody without bail or formal charges.
Lawyer John Khaminwa stated on Saturday, “I spoke with the officer in charge at Pangani Police Station to request bail for Rose, but he said his hands are tied.”
Attempts by legal representatives to secure her release have been unsuccessful.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have yet to provide clear reasons for her ongoing detention, directing legal counsel to seek information from the Serious Crimes desk.
Diana Gichengo, the Executive Director of The Institute of Social Accountability (TISA), commented, “Anyone charged with a crime should be produced before court as soon as possible. Rose was brought to Pangani yesterday at 1p.m., so there has been ample time to process bail. She is anemic and, to date, neither I nor senior counsel have been shown any formal charges.”
Lawyers have denounced the arrest as an intimidation tactic intended to silence Njeri and other Kenyans who may oppose the Finance Bill 2025.
“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,” added Khaminwa, expressing his disapproval of the situation.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), through its President Faith Odhiambo, has also voiced frustration regarding the difficulties lawyers have encountered in providing Njeri with legal assistance.
“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,” Ms. Odhiambo said in a statement, highlighting the obstruction faced by the legal team.
Public pressure continues to build online, with Kenyans calling for Njeri’s immediate release. Many argue that her arrest contradicts President William Ruto’s recent apology to the youth during the National Prayer Breakfast.
“This is happening just days after an apology was issued. 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,” Gichengo stated, drawing a connection between the arrest and the president’s recent remarks.
