Kenyan Software Developer Rose Njeri Released on Bond
Njeri’s arrest on May 30, following a tweet on May 19 announcing her “Civic Email” platform, ignited a firestorm of criticism.
Software developer and activist Rose Njeri on bond. Photo/The Guardian.
By Janet Philip
Software developer and activist Rose Njeri, charged with computer misuse and cybercrime, was released on a Ksh100,000 personal bond by Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo at Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday.
The court set June 20, 2025, as the hearing date for her case, which has sparked widespread outrage across Kenya. Njeri faces charges under Section 16 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018 for allegedly interfering with parliamentary computer systems through a website she created to oppose the Finance Bill 2025.
Njeri’s arrest on May 30, following a tweet on May 19 announcing her “Civic Email” platform, ignited a firestorm of criticism.
The website, hosted at https://civic-email.vercel.app/, allowed Kenyans to send objections to the Finance Bill 2025 with a single click, a move prosecutors claim disrupted the National Assembly’s Finance Committee systems.
“I wrote a simple programme that lets you reject the Finance Bill 2025 with just one click,” Njeri tweeted, unaware it would lead to her detention at Pangani Police Station for three days, exceeding the constitutional 24-hour limit for holding suspects without charges.
The prolonged detention drew sharp condemnation. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), confirmed on May 31 that LSK lawyers faced obstacles accessing Njeri, describing the process as “difficult.”
On Sunday, activists Boniface Mwangi and Hanifa Adan protested outside Pangani Police Station after being denied entry, while Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah managed to meet Njeri.
LSK Chairman Lukoye Okelo accused authorities of secretly transferring Njeri to Nairobi, further fueling distrust.
Tuesday’s court appearance saw a powerhouse legal team, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga, defend Njeri. The team included former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Senior Counsel John Khaminwa, Eugene Wamalwa, Dan Maanzo, former LSK President Eric Theuri, Ndegwa Njiru, and LSK representatives.
Their presence underscored the case’s gravity, with Maraga arguing Njeri’s arrest was a “sinister move” to stifle dissent. Outside, dozens of Kenyans gathered, singing and demanding her immediate release.
Njeri’s case has become a symbol of resistance against perceived government overreach, especially as the Finance Bill 2025 proposes controversial tax changes.
Her supporters, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, argue she was targeted for empowering public participation. As Eldoret residents and Kenyans nationwide await the June 20 hearing, the case highlights ongoing tensions over digital activism and free expression.
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