A Kenyan software developer and activist, Rose Njeri, found herself in police custody over the Madaraka Day weekend due to her creation of an online tool called Civic Email, which aims to enable public objections to the Finance Bill 2025.
She was apprehended in South B on Friday afternoon and subsequently taken to Pangani Police Station, where she remained throughout the weekend while attempts to secure her release proved unsuccessful.
The police managing her case expressed concerns that her campaign could provoke and escalate protests in anticipation of the Bill’s reading and approval.
Protests against the Bill last year resulted in over 60 fatalities and numerous individuals reported missing, with others suffering injuries inflicted by security forces.
Her detention sparked a wave of online criticism, with human rights advocates questioning the rationale behind her continued custody without bail or formal charges.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga denounced the arrest and detention, asserting that it undermines the essence of Madaraka Day.
“Madaraka Day symbolizes internal self-governance and the liberty to manage our nation. These are the freedoms that the youth were striving for. Instead, they faced death, abduction, and some have vanished without a trace.”
“Rose Njeri represents the latest individual to be taken for supposedly creating an accessible platform for citizens to voice their opinions on the Finance Bill 2025. This entirely contradicts the spirit of Madaraka,” he remarked.
He stated his intention to support the GenZ during this significant Gen-Z Revolution Month and beyond, participating in their initiatives and plans as they endeavor to reset, restore, and rebuild Kenya.
Lawyer John Khaminwa mentioned that he had a conversation with the officer in charge at Pangani Police Station to seek bail for Rose, but was informed that he was unable to assist.
Attempts by lawyers to obtain her release were met with silence.
Officials from the Serious Crimes Unit tracked and apprehended her.
