Lobby groups mount pressure on government over detention of activist Rose Njeri

As Kenya marked Madaraka Day — a celebration of self-rule and civil liberty, lobby groups mounted pressure on the government over the continued detention of Rose Njeri, a software developer and civic activist, calling for her release.

Njeri was arrested on Friday for developing an online tool that enables citizens to formally object to the contentious Finance Bill 2025.

Her arrest, reportedly over fears that her tool, Civic Email, could "incite protests," has sparked nationwide outrage from lawyers, civil rights defenders, and ordinary Kenyans demanding her immediate release.

Diana Gichengo, Executive Director of the Institute of Social Accountability (TISA), said Njeri is being punished for giving Kenyans a digital voice.

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“Anyone charged with a crime should be produced before a court as soon as possible. Rose was brought to Pangani Friday at 1 p.m., so there has been ample time to process bail,” said Gichengo.

Gichengo added that Njeri suffers from anaemia and that despite multiple attempts by senior legal counsel to gain access to her or establish charges, none have been presented.

Lawyer John Khaminwa visited Pangani Police Station over the weekend but said officers claimed their hands were tied.

“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,” Khaminwa said.

“I asked for her to be released on bail, which is her constitutional right, but we were met with silence.”

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), through its President Faith Odhiambo, condemned the detention and accused police of violating legal procedure.

“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 Odhiambo in a statement.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga called Njeri’s arrest a betrayal of the values Madaraka Day stands for.

“Madaraka Day is about internal self-governance and the freedom to run our country. These are the freedoms that the young people were seeking. Instead, they were killed, abducted, and some have disappeared without a trace,” said Maraga.

He said as of Sunday night, Njeri remained in custody, calls for her immediate arraignment in court or release on bail — a basic constitutional right.

 “Rose Njeri is the latest to be abducted for allegedly innovating an accessible system for citizens to express their views on the Finance Bill 2025. This completely negates the spirit of Madaraka.”

Maraga declared his support for what he described as a growing movement among youth to reclaim Kenya’s democratic space.

“I will walk with the Gen Z during this solemn Gen-Z Revolution Month and beyond, as they seek to reset, restore, and rebuild Kenya,” he said.

The incident has ignited fury online, with hashtags calling for Njeri’s release trending on Kenyan social media. Activist Boniface Mwangi, despite nursing multiple fractures, led calls for a protest outside the police station.

“It’s a beautiful day to fight for our rights. Rose Njeri is in jail for making it easier for Kenyans to submit formal objections to the proposed Finance Bill 2025,” Mwangi posted.

“I have two broken toes, multiple fractures, and I’m using a walking stick — but I’m headed to Pangani Police Station to free her.”

“Either the police give her bond to which she is entitled, or we shut down the station. Her rights have been violated, and it’s our responsibility to demand her immediate release,” he added.

“We don’t fear Ruto, arrest, or even death. We shall never bend our knees to a thief and a murderer. Ruto will go, whether he likes it or not. Kenya isn’t his personal property.”

Njeri’s detention cast a shadow over President William Ruto’s recent apology to Kenyan youth during the National Prayer Breakfast, in which he acknowledged state brutality during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.      

 “Just days after an apology was issued, this is happening,” said Gichengo.

“It raises serious questions about the freedoms we are supposed to enjoy when even senior counsel is forced to work late into the night trying to secure justice.”