East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Kanini Kega has issued an ultimatum demanding the immediate and unconditional release of software developer and civic activist Rose Njeri.
The call comes after her arrest on Friday, May 30, 2025, for creating an online platform that enabled Kenyans to formally oppose the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
In a statement on Monday, June 2, 2025, Kega condemned the arrest, warning of unspecified action if Njeri is not released promptly. “Release Rose Njeri Tunguru now unconditionally! She is not a criminal. If not, kesho tunafika hapo mapema,” Kega stated, signalling the potential for public mobilization
Njeri’s arrest has ignited a wave of condemnation from civil rights groups and prominent political leaders, who argue that her detention represents a growing trend of suppressing civic freedoms and dissent. Njeri developed a digital tool aimed at enhancing public participation by allowing citizens to formally express opposition to the contentious issues
Businessman and former presidential candidate Jimi Wanjigi termed the arrest “unconstitutional and illegal,” accusing the state of criminalizing constitutionally protected rights.
“Rose Njeri’s unconstitutional and illegal detention is a direct affront on her freedom of expression. It is criminalizing the constitutionally guaranteed right to public participation,” Wanjigi said. “This political cruelty and barbaric by brute Ruto is intended to instill fear and send a cold-blooded chilling message. The people of Kenya will never yield.”
The growing political criticism has cut across party lines. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba declared, “She’s not a criminal,” while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua described the arrest as part of a broader campaign to silence young Kenyan voices.
“Instead of celebrating her innovation and contribution to civic engagement, the state has chosen to make an example of her,” Gachagua wrote on X. “This is not just an attack on Rose—it is a continuation of the attack on the youth of this country.”
He called on Kenyans to unite against the suppression of free expression, stating, “Our future depends on it.”
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi also weighed in, emphasizing that Njeri’s actions were protected under the Kenyan Constitution. He cited Article 33, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, and Article 118, which mandates Parliament to facilitate public participation.
“Ms Njeri’s initiative, developing a website to allow Kenyans to voice their views on the Finance Bill 2025, was a direct contribution to these constitutional principles,” Muturi noted. “Her detention undermines not only her rights but also the public’s ability to engage in legislative processes.”
The arrest has intensified scrutiny of the government’s commitment to upholding civil liberties, particularly in relation to digital activism and civic engagement. Analysts warn that detaining individuals for technological initiatives that support public participation may discourage similar efforts in the future.
Legal and human rights organizations are now monitoring the situation closely, with expectations that the case could be challenged in court if Njeri is not released promptly.
As of June 2, 2025, Njeri remains in custody, with mounting pressure from political leaders, civil society, and the general public for her release. The government has not yet issued an official statement justifying the arrest or indicating next steps.