Public anger is mounting in Kenya following the arrest and continued detention of software developer Rose Njeri, who created an online tool to help citizens protest the government’s 2025 finance bill.
Critics say her arrest is part of a broader pattern of government repression aimed at silencing dissent.
Njeri, a mother of two, was arrested on Friday after police raided her Nairobi home and seized electronic devices, according to activists. She remains in custody, and attempts to secure her release on bail have so far failed. No formal charges have been announced, and the government has not commented on the case.
The finance bill, which outlines government spending and tax measures for the coming year, has drawn criticism for provisions that could significantly raise the cost of living. Njeri’s digital platform highlighted controversial parts of the bill and allowed citizens to directly email parliamentarians with their concerns. One of her key warnings was about a proposal giving the tax authority broad access to citizens’ personal data—without needing court approval.
On Sunday, activists gathered outside the Nairobi police station where Njeri is being held, demanding her release. Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo called the detention a “recurrence of dictatorship” and criticized the timing, noting that Monday was a public holiday, delaying any court proceedings.
“This has always been a government way of oppressing, intimidating and suppressing citizens,” said Odhiambo.
Activist Boniface Mwangi, who visited Njeri in custody, said she appeared distraught and was especially concerned for her children. “Imagine having to tell her children that she’s in jail for developing a website to help people participate in the budget process,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Njeri’s website also raised awareness about the bill’s shift from zero-rated tax status on essential goods to tax-exempt status—a change economists say could raise prices for consumers and cut into business profits, since input VAT can no longer be claimed.
Finance Minister John Mbadi defended the move, saying it was meant to stop abuse of the tax refund system. He acknowledged that the change might make some goods “slightly more expensive,” but said traders weren’t passing savings from zero-rating on to consumers.
Mbadi is expected to present the government’s official budget proposal in parliament next week.
President William Ruto’s administration is already under pressure following last year’s deadly protests over tax hikes, during which at least 50 people were killed and others abducted by security forces. Ruto has apologized for any “missteps” with the youth and said all abducted individuals were returned home.
For now, Njeri remains behind bars, her arrest fueling concerns that Kenya’s democratic space is shrinking under increasing pressure from state authorities.