East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of activist Rose Njeri.
In a statement on Monday, June 2, 2025, Kega warned of possible action, though he did not specify what form it would take.
“Release Rose Njeri Tunguru now unconditionally! She is not a criminal. If not kesho tunafika hapo mapema!” he warned.
Njeri was arrested on Friday, May 30, 2025, over an online tool she developed to help Kenyans formally object to the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
Her detention has sparked outrage among civil rights defenders and a growing number of political leaders.
Unjustified and unnecessary
In a strongly worded X post on Monday, June 2, 2025, Kega dismissed claims that Njeri was a criminal, saying her arrest was unjustified and amounted to suppression of dissent.
Businessman Jimi Wanjigi also condemned the detention, calling it unconstitutional and illegal.
“Rose Njeri unconstitutional and illegal detention is a direct affront on her freedom of expression. It is criminalizing the constitutionally guaranteed right to public participation. This political cruelty and barbaric by brute Ruto is intended to instill fear and send a cold blooded chilling message. The people of Kenya will never yield to criminal Ruto,” Wanjogi stated.
He described the arrest as a direct affront on her freedom of expression and accused the government of criminalizing the constitutionally guaranteed right to public participation.
Political voices react
The criticism extends beyond Kega and Wanjigi. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba joined the call for Njeri’s release, stating, “She’s not a criminal.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a vocal critic of the current government, had earlier accused authorities of using intimidation tactics to silence young activists.
Taking to his official X account on Monday, June 2, 2025, Gachagua criticized the government for what he termed as hypocrisy in its dealings with Kenyan youth.
“Instead of celebrating her innovation and contribution to civic engagement, the state has chosen to make an example of her. This is not just an attack on Rose—it is a continuation of the attack on the youth of this country,” he wrote.
“It is an attempt to stifle their courage, their innovative spirit, and their belief in the power of their own voices. I call for the immediate release of Rose Njeri and urge all Kenyans to stand together against the silencing of our voices. Our future depends on it.”
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi also condemned the arrest, emphasizing that Njeri was exercising her constitutional right to free expression.
”I am deeply concerned by the unlawful detention of Rose Njeri, a software developer and civic activist, whose only ‘offence’ was exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression and facilitating public participation through a digital platform.” Muturi said.
He noted that her efforts were in line with the Constitution, citing Article 33, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to express themselves and associate freely.
He also referred to Article 118, which places a duty on Parliament to promote public participation.
“Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom of expression, while Article 118 obligates Parliament to facilitate public participation and involvement in legislative processes. Ms Njeri’s initiative, developing a website to allow Kenyans to voice their views on the Finance Bill 2025, was a direct contribution to these constitutional principles,” he added
The arrest has triggered widespread outrage, with leaders condemning the move as an attack on free speech and digital activism.
