Amnesty demands release of Rose Njeri over Finance Bill tool
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty said Njeri was arrested ahead of the Madaraka Day weekend, denied legal representation, and forced to hand over her electronic devices and passwords.
Amnesty International Kenya has condemned the arrest and continued detention of software engineer Rose Njeri, who was taken into custody on Friday, May 30, for developing an online tool that allowed Kenyans to formally object to the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty said Njeri was arrested ahead of the Madaraka Day weekend, denied legal representation, and forced to hand over her electronic devices and passwords.
She was later moved from Pangani Police Station to an unknown location by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations without any notice to her lawyers or family.
"Amnesty International Kenya is shocked to learn that Rose Njeri was transferred from Pangani Police Station to an unknown destination by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations without any communication to her family or her lawyers yesterday," said Amnesty’s Section Director Irungu Houghton.
The organisation said Njeri has been held for over 88 hours without being charged, denied bail without explanation, and cut off from legal support and medical attention despite having a health condition.
"Despite legal representation from her advocates and the Law Society of Kenya, she was denied bail without giving reasons to her advocates, an entitlement as an arrested person," the statement added.
Amnesty said this violates her rights under Article 49 of the Constitution, which guarantees every arrested person the right to know why they are being held, to have access to a lawyer and a doctor, and to appear in court within 24 hours. Her right to a fair trial under Article 50 has also been put in jeopardy.
"These rights are designed to ensure fairness, prevent abuse of power, and uphold human dignity. It is clear to us that Rose Njeri’s rights have been severally violated, and any contemplated fair trial is in jeopardy," said Houghton.
Her arrest has drawn widespread criticism from civil society and political leaders, who have demanded her immediate and unconditional release.
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi said Njeri had broken no law and was only promoting public participation.
"Njeri’s only 'offence' was exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression and facilitating public participation through a digital platform," Muturi said.
East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega also voiced his anger, warning of public action if she is not freed.
"Release Rose Njeri Tunguru now! She is not a criminal. If not, kesho tunafika hapo mapema! (Translation: We'll be there early tomorrow)," he posted.
Businessman Jimi Wanjigi condemned the arrest, calling it unconstitutional and illegal, while policy analyst Peter Mbae defended her, saying she was within her rights.
“Parliament asked for public participation on the bill. All she did was create a tool for Kenyans to engage,” Mbae said.
Njeri’s continued detention has sparked outrage online and on the ground, with growing calls for her immediate release.
