Civil Society Condemns Exclusion of Standard Media Journalists and Arrest of Activist Rose Njeri

The Kenya National Civil Society Centre (KNCSC) has issued a strong condemnation following the exclusion of Standard Media Group journalists from a State House event and the arrest of activist Rose Njeri.

On May 31, 2025, Standard Media Group journalists were denied entry to a joint press briefing at State House, Nairobi, featuring President William Ruto and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar. Despite being formally invited, the journalists were barred by security personnel, raising concerns about press freedom and discrimination.

Suba Churchill, Executive Director of KNCSC, stated, “This deliberate exclusion undermines the constitutional guarantees of media freedom and equality. It is imperative that all media houses have equal access to governmental events to ensure transparency and accountability.”

In a related incident, Rose Njeri, a software developer and civic activist, was arrested on May 30, 2025, for creating an online platform, Civic Email, designed to facilitate public participation in the Finance Bill 2025 discussions. Her family reported that during the arrest, law enforcement officers used excessive force, confiscated her electronic devices, and held her incommunicado at Pangani Police Station. Citizen DigitalCitizen Digital

Waithera, a relative of Njeri, recounted, “They had sirens which alarmed the neighbours so much. There were three Subarus that had gone to arrest her. They harassed her, took her phone by force and injured her arm.”Citizen Digital

Legal experts have raised concerns about the basis of Njeri’s arrest, suggesting potential misuse of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018. The Law Society of Kenya is currently providing legal representation to Njeri.

The KNCSC is calling for:

1. An official apology to Standard Media Group and the journalists affected by the State House exclusion.

2. The immediate and unconditional release of Rose Njeri from custody.

3. A formal apology to Njeri for the violation of her rights and the undue harassment she faced.

These incidents have sparked widespread concern among civil society organizations and the public, highlighting the need for adherence to constitutional rights and the protection of freedoms of expression and association in Kenya.

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Eldoret Media Hub

Eldoret Media Hub, a working space for journalists based in Uasin Gishu County set up by the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) through a Media Council of Kenya (MCK) grant.
The facility was officially opened in August 2021 by the MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo.

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