Public rage as software developer is charged on 'vague' law

Kenyans expressed outrage over the arrest and detention of Rose Njeri, a young software developer and human rights activist, who was arraigned in court under vague cybercrime charges.

Njeri, known for creating a web portal to campaign against the Finance Bill, 2025, was arrested on Friday and held in police cells over the extended weekend. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alleges that her web application, hosted at https://civic-email.vercel.app, automatically generated and sent mass emails to the National Assembly Finance Committee's email, disrupting its systems.

Kenyans and human rights groups flooded social media, condemning the arrest as a violation of Njeri's rights and criticising the charges as unclear.

Amnesty International Kenya issued a statement expressing shock at Njeri's transfer from Pangani Police Station to an undisclosed location without notifying her family or lawyers.

"Rose Njeri has been held for over 88 hours, in violation of Article 49 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to be informed promptly of arrest reasons, to communicate with an advocate and necessary persons, including medical professionals, and to be released on reasonable bail or bond within 24 hours," said the lobby.

The organisation and Njeri's family highlighted Njeri's underlying medical condition, noting that her prolonged detention without access to proper care exacerbates the violation.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) echoed these concerns, stating that Njeri's rights were violated and holding Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja accountable. "The Constitution guarantees arrested persons the right to prompt information and communication with advocates. Njeri has been unlawfully detained for over 72 hours and denied bail," the KHRC declared.

Social media users accused authorities of using the law to intimidate rather than prosecute Njeri. "The charges against Rose Njeri show they just wanted to lock her up over the weekend and slap her with a high cash bail to frustrate her," posted Jim Njue on X.

Journalist Larry Madowo of CNN remarked, "The Kenyan government brags about youth digital skills while punishing them for using those skills."

The government was urged to release Njeri, accusing President William Ruto's administration of silencing dissent. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua noted that, as the one-year anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill approaches, the government has learned nothing about engaging with citizens.

"Instead of dialogue, they're escalating crackdowns to silence voices, especially with the new Finance Bill looming," he said.

Gachagua praised Njeri's innovation, calling her arrest "an attack on the youth's courage and spirit" and demanding her immediate release.

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot defended Njeri, with Muturi saying her "platform facilitated Kenyans' voices on the Finance Bill 2025, a direct contribution to constitutional principles."

"Njeri created a platform for public participation, which is exactly what it's about. I don't understand why she's incarcerated," added Cheruiyot.