Software developer and activist Rose Njeri, who was arrested for creating a website on Finance Bill 2025, has been transferred from Pangani police station and is scheduled to appear in court.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 3, 2025, at the Pangani police station in Nairobi, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Adhiambo stated that the society is seeking to determine which court she will be presented in through its members.
“We arrived at Pangani Police Station and have been told she had just been picked up. We ask our LSK members to be vigilant today. We are trying to determine which court she will be presented to, as she was transferred from Pangani police station early this morning,” she stated.
Further, the LSK president has called upon the courts to accord Njeri the right to a fair hearing and representation.
“We urge our courts to be mindful of Article 50 of the Constitution of the right to a fair hearing and right to representation,” she added.
By the time of this publication, the National Police Service (NPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had not issued a statement on Rose Njeri’s whereabouts.
Njeri’s arrest
Njeri was arrested in South B on May 30, 2025, for developing an online website, Civic Email, that asked Kenyans to object to the Finance Bill 2025.
“I wrote a simple programme that lets you reject the Finance Bill 2025 with just one click. Click below to send your objection,” she said in a tweet.
Her arrest has been condemned by humanitarian groups and leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has also called for her immediate release.
In a statement on Monday, June 2, 2025, Gachagua stated that it is time Kenyans stand united against anyone trying to silence their voices and speak up for their rights.
“Now, more than ever, Kenyans must remain vigilant. We must speak up for our rights and for each other.
“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,” he said.
Additionally, Gachagua stated that Njeri’s arrest is an attack on the young Kenyan people to suppress their voices.
“Her only ‘crime’ was building an online tool to help ordinary Kenyans send their objections to the Finance Bill 2025. Instead of celebrating her innovation and contribution to civic engagement, the state has chosen to make an example of her,” he stated.
“ This is not just an attack on Rose. It is a continuation of the attack on the youth of this country. It is an attempt to stifle their courage, their innovative spirit, and their belief in the power of their own voices.”
The Finance Bill 2025 proposes several key changes to enhance tax collection and simplify compliance. It introduces tax deductibility for contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund, affordable housing levy, and post-retirement medical funds, which could reduce taxable income for contributors.
