Rose Njeri’s plea: Choose leaders who will defend you when it matters

When Rose Njeri opened her door to armed officers in three Subaru vehicles, she knew she wasn’t just being arrested—she was being silenced.

The software developer behind a public feedback platform on the 2025 Finance Bill was dragged into a whirlwind of fear, confusion, and public outcry.

Days later, after her release from Pangani Police Station, she says it was the support of ordinary Kenyans that gave her the strength to speak up.

"I express my sincere gratitude to anyone who raised their voice in any way regarding my illegal arrest, detention, house search and possession of my property by the State," Njeri said in a video that has since gone viral.

What stayed with her most wasn’t just the cold walls of a police cell—but the image of about 15 officers storming her home as though she was a criminal.

"The show, of course, during the illegal arrest and intimidation by around 15 men, that is, three Subarus versus the lack of crime committed, was ridiculous. I'm happy that you all saw that as the case and reacted as you did with the hashtags and protests and visits. I can't thank you enough for your support," said Njeri.

Njeri’s voice broke through not as a public figure, but as an ordinary Kenyan standing up for her right to speak. Her story struck a chord with many who saw themselves in her—tech-savvy, civic-minded, but vulnerable to power.

She used her experience to issue a heartfelt plea to voters across the country.

"I'd like to send a plea to all Kenyans of voting age, the next time you have a ballot paper in front of your face, and this might sound harsh, I beg you to think, really think," she said.

"If I may offer a suggestion, don't vote for a person who doesn't respect our Kenyan Constitution. Don't vote for someone who doesn't respect court orders and don't vote for someone who's only angry he got kicked out."

Her words were not just political—they were deeply personal. She reminded Kenyans that leadership choices can either protect or punish, depending on who is in power.

"Vote for someone who respects and defends the Kenyan Constitution because if tomorrow you're in my shoes, you'd want to have a leader who can extend to you your Constitutional rights. So your decision on who you vote for is personal and directly affects you," she remarked.

Njeri also called for urgency in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that time was running out ahead of the next general election.

"We need to rally for a reconstituted IEBC. According to Kenyan law, elections should be held every fifth year of the presidency. If you do your math, we are due for elections in August 2026. We are in June 2025 and don't have a functional IEBC, so we don't have the luxury of time. We need to focus our energies on the reconstitution of the IEBC," she urged.

She now awaits a court ruling on June 20 to know if she will face charges over cybercrime-related claims, after being released on a bond of Sh100,000

During the hearing, investigators said Njeri had sent mass emails to the Clerk of the National Assembly’s system, allegedly interfering with operations.

But her legal team, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga, told the court that the case lacks a solid legal foundation and violates her constitutional rights.

Even as her legal battle continues, Njeri’s arrest has left many Kenyans questioning what it means to speak out in today’s political space—and what it costs.