Former Chief Justice David Maraga has sharply criticised the government over the arrest of activist and software developer Rose Njeri, terming it a betrayal of the ideals of Madaraka Day.
In a powerful statement released on Madaraka Day, Maraga said the arrest of Njeri who created Civic Email, a digital tool allowing Kenyans to send objections to MPs about the proposed Finance Bill 2025 is a tragic contradiction to the day’s purpose of celebrating internal self-rule and democratic freedoms.
“Ms. 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,” said Maraga.
Njeri was taken into custody on Friday afternoon in South B and detained at Pangani Police Station. No charges or bail have been granted, sparking a storm of protest from civil society groups, youth-led movements, and digital rights activists.
“There is nothing for the youth of Kenya to celebrate this Madaraka Day,” Maraga declared, pointing to growing disillusionment among young people. He cited rampant youth unemployment, limited opportunities, and increasing inequality as symptoms of a broken system.
As the nation marked 62 years since attaining internal self-governance at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Maraga called for deep national introspection. He urged leaders and citizens to embrace the original spirit of Madaraka rooted in freedom, dignity, and justice.
Referring to recent protests led largely by Gen Z, Maraga said, “Today, we begin a solemn month of reflection in memory of the lives of more than 60 young people killed in June 2024. It is a month to stand in solidarity with those injured and abducted, and to comfort the families of those who lost their loved ones to police brutality.”
Maraga’s remarks add to mounting pressure on the government to respect civil liberties and end arbitrary arrests, especially of youth who are leveraging technology to engage in civic action.
