Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has weighed in on the controversial arrest of Finance Bill critic Rose Njeri, whose continued detention at the Pangani station has put the government in the spotlight.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Monday, June 2, Cheruiyot affirmed that Njeri’s action was in line with the important facet of gaining feedback over a subject of national importance, further expressing his dismay with the justification behind her arrest.
“From what I hear, she made a platform for collecting feedback. Feedback is both about those who agree and those who do not. It is, in essence, what public participation entails.
Feedback
“As the National Assembly, we also share our feedback once the Treasury gives proposals, and there are many things that many reject, including those of us considered pro-administration. So, I think what she has done is brilliant unless there is something about the arrest I have missed,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that if what we are reading is what it is, I would like to know how a mere application will make one pose a threat to security,” he added.
Cheruiyot’s sentiments come a day after activists marched to the police station to demand the release of the young software developer.
Activists push for Njeri Release
The procession, led by Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hussein Khalid and Boniface Mwangi, staged a demo at the police station gate but were unable to secure her release.
Taking to the special media later, Mwangi revealed that the police informed them that they are unable to order the release of Njeri, since she was arrested by indivicuals from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
“We visited Rose Njeri and she told us how 15 DCI officers arrested her. They ransacked and turned her house upside down, confiscating her phone, laptop, and hard drives in the process. The police at Pangani Police Station claim that they don’t have powers to release her because she was arrested by DCI officers, and only they can order her release. She is in high spirits but worried about her two children, who don’t even know where she is,” Mwangi said.
The activist promised to continue their quest to have Njeri set free, stating that they will be taking up the matter on Monday, June 2, 2025.
“We are hoping that there will be a duty court tomorrow, even if it’s a public holiday, and she can be presented before a magistrate. An innocent person spending several nights in police cells is a blatant violation of her rights,” he stated.
