Nairobi, Kenya – Rose Njeri, a 35-year-old Kenyan web developer and activist, has spent two days in police custody after her arrest for creating a digital platform opposing parts of the 2025 Finance Bill. Her app, Civic Email, enabled citizens to express objections to specific clauses in the proposed legislation set to be debated in Parliament this month.
Njeri’s detention has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, tech communities, and her family. On Sunday, her relatives and fellow activists gathered outside Pangani Police Station in Nairobi, calling for her immediate release. Police had denied her bail the day prior.
“She has two children, one is just three years old,” said her mother, Naomi Njoki. “She also suffers from anaemia. The cells are not a good place for her health.”
Her aunt, Eva Waithera, described the violent nature of the arrest, which occurred at Njeri’s South B home. “They arrived with sirens in three unmarked Subarus, took her phone and laptop, and even injured her arm. She was terrified,” said Waithera. “She still doesn’t understand why she was taken or what’s happening.”
Njeri’s legal representation is being provided by the Law Society of Kenya, which has condemned the arrest as an infringement on digital rights and free expression. Critics argue her detention reflects a growing intolerance for online activism and dissent against government policy.
The web app she developed was a peaceful civic tool designed to channel public feedback on the Finance Bill, which includes controversial tax measures that have already triggered protests nationwide.
While Njeri remains in custody without formal charges, pressure continues to mount on the government to release her and respect Kenyans’ right to free speech and civic engagement.
