A growing chorus of political and civic leaders have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Rose Njeri, a civic tech activist and software developer who was arrested on May 30, 2025. Njeri was detained over an online platform she developed to help Kenyans formally object to the controversial Finance Bill 2025.
Her arrest has sparked widespread public outrage, with critics accusing authorities of suppressing freedom of expression and undermining constitutional rights. Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi was among the first prominent voices to condemn the detention. In a statement on June 2, Muturi described Njeri’s arrest as “unlawful” and an affront to Kenya’s democratic values.
“Her only ‘offence’ was exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression and enabling public participation,” Muturi posted on X (formerly Twitter), citing Articles 33 and 118 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and mandate public involvement in lawmaking, respectively.
Muturi further warned that targeting citizens who leverage technology for civic engagement sets a “dangerous precedent” against constitutionalism and innovation.
Echoing these sentiments, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega demanded her immediate release. “Release Rose Njeri Tunguru now! She is not a criminal,” Kega posted on social media, warning of public protests if she is not freed.
Policy analyst Professor Peter Mbae also defended Njeri, noting that she merely facilitated public input as requested by Parliament. “All she did was create a tool for Kenyans to engage,” he said.
Businessman and political figure Jimi Wanjigi joined the condemnation, calling the arrest “unconstitutional and illegal.” He emphasized that criminalizing civic innovation is tantamount to criminalizing public participation itself.
Njeri’s detention has ignited debates on the role of digital platforms in democratic processes and the state’s tolerance for dissent. Civil society groups and activists are planning demonstrations, demanding not only her release but also a firm assurance that civic tech innovators will be protected from political persecution.
As pressure mounts, the government faces scrutiny over its commitment to upholding constitutional rights and fostering a participatory democracy in the digital age.
