Rose Njeri’s detention sparks outrage from women activists
Njeri, who was picked up by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, remains in custody without formal charges and has been denied bail.
Women human rights defenders in Kenya have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Rose Njeri, a software developer and civic activist arrested last Friday during her graduation ceremony.
Njeri, who was picked up by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, remains in custody without formal charges and has been denied bail.
The activists say Njeri’s arrest is linked to her development of an online platform, Civic Email, that allowed Kenyans to express views on the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
They insist she has committed no crime and that her work promotes public participation, which is protected by the Constitution.
According to the defenders, police officers took Njeri to her home in Embakasi after her arrest, where they searched her house without a warrant and seized computers, hard drives, and phones.
During the operation, she was allegedly assaulted and denied the chance to contact anyone.
"Public participation is not a crime – it is a constitutional right," the statement said. "Njeri’s initiative represents a constructive approach to civic engagement, aligning with democratic principles and the promotion of transparency and accountability."
Efforts by her legal team, including senior counsel John Khaminwa, to secure her release have been unsuccessful. She was initially held at Pangani Police Station but was later moved to Capitol Hill Police Station. However, the officer in charge at Capitol Hill denied having her in custody.
Activists raised concern about Njeri’s health, saying she has been denied access to her doctor and essential medication. They say her continued detention without charge violates her rights under Article 49 of the Constitution and international laws.
“We are witnessing a broader strategy by the government to muzzle digital activism and silence freedom of expression,” the defenders said. They warned that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act is being misused to target voices calling for accountability.
The women defenders also linked Njeri’s ordeal to rising gender-based harassment of women human rights defenders in the region.
"What Njeri is going through is a form of gender-based violence premised on the fact that she is just a woman who chooses to defend the rights of the citizenry," the statement said.
They further criticised the President’s recent apology to the youth, saying it rings hollow when young voices like Njeri’s are being silenced.
"The apology should have been accompanied by actions, where Kenyans can enjoy their rights and freedoms without fear."
The defenders said the arrest of Njeri reflects a growing trend of harassment and threats against women activists.
They cited recent incidents involving Martha Karua, Lynn Ngugi, Gloria Kimani, and Agather Atuhaire of Uganda, who faced abuse during a visit to Tanzania.
Calling the arrest unlawful, the women defenders issued a 24-hour ultimatum to authorities.
"Failure to release her, we shall mobilise at least 10,000 women human rights defenders to peacefully protest and demand her unconditional release," they warned.
They also called on authorities to uphold the law, respect constitutional freedoms, and ensure due process is followed.
Women human rights defenders in Kenya have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Rose Njeri, a software developer and civic activist arrested last Friday during her graduation ceremony.
Njeri, who was picked up by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, remains in custody without formal charges and has been denied bail.
The activists say Njeri’s arrest is linked to her development of an online platform, Civic Email, that allowed Kenyans to express views on the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
They insist she has committed no crime and that her work promotes public participation, which is protected by the Constitution.
According to the defenders, police officers took Njeri to her home in Embakasi after her arrest, where they searched her house without a warrant and seized computers, hard drives, and phones.
During the operation, she was allegedly assaulted and denied the chance to contact anyone.
"Public participation is not a crime – it is a constitutional right," the statement said.
"Njeri’s initiative represents a constructive approach to civic engagement, aligning with democratic principles and the promotion of transparency and accountability."
Efforts by her legal team, including senior counsel John Khaminwa, to secure her release have been unsuccessful.
She was initially held at Pangani Police Station but was later moved to Capitol Hill Police Station. However, the officer in charge at Capitol Hill denied having her in custody.
Activists raised concern about Njeri’s health, saying she has been denied access to her doctor and essential medication.
They say her continued detention without charge violates her rights under Article 49 of the Constitution and international laws.
"We are witnessing a broader strategy by the government to muzzle digital activism and silence freedom of expression," the defenders said.
They warned that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act is being misused to target voices calling for accountability.
The women defenders also linked Njeri’s ordeal to rising gender-based harassment of women human rights defenders in the region.
"What Njeri is going through is a form of gender-based violence premised on the fact that she is just a woman who chooses to defend the rights of the citizenry," the statement said.
They further criticised the President’s recent apology to the youth, saying it rings hollow when young voices like Njeri’s are being silenced.
"The apology should have been accompanied by actions, where Kenyans can enjoy their rights and freedoms without fear."
The defenders said the arrest of Njeri reflects a growing trend of harassment and threats against women activists.
They cited recent incidents involving Martha Karua, Lynn Ngugi, Gloria Kimani, and Agather Atuhaire of Uganda, who faced abuse during a visit to Tanzania.
Calling the arrest unlawful, the women defenders issued a 24-hour ultimatum to authorities.
"Failure to release her, we shall mobilise at least 10,000 women human rights defenders to peacefully protest and demand her unconditional release," they warned.
They also called on authorities to uphold the law, respect constitutional freedoms, and ensure due process is followed.
