Kenyan software developer and activist Rose Njeri has found herself at odds with the government after developing an online tool known as Civic Email, designed to facilitate public objections to the Finance Bill 2025.

She was arrested in South B on Friday afternoon and taken to Pangani Police Station.

Her detention has ignited a storm of criticism online, with human rights activists demanding to know why she remains in custody without bail or formal charges.

Lawyer John Khaminwa on Saturday said: “I spoke with the officer in charge at Pangani Police Station to request bail for Rose, but he said his hands are tied.”

Efforts by lawyers to secure her release have been met with silence. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have yet to provide clear reasons for her continued detention, instructing legal counsel to seek answers from the Serious Crimes desk.

Diana Gichengo, Executive Director of The Institute of Social Accountability (TISA), said: “Anyone charged with a crime should be produced before court as soon as possible. Rose was brought to Pangani yesterday at 1p.m., so there has been ample time to process bail. She is anemic and, to date, neither I nor senior counsel have been shown any formal charges.”

Lawyers have condemned the arrest as an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing Rose and other Kenyans who may oppose the Finance Bill 2025.

“This young woman made some comments on the Finance Bill that were not well received by those in authority. In my view, this is most unfortunate,” added Khaminwa.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), through its President Faith Odhiambo, has also expressed frustration over the difficulties lawyers have faced in providing Rose with legal counsel.

“All efforts to secure her release on police bail have been frustrated by the officers in charge, who have yet to respond to counsel’s requests,” Ms. Odhiambo said in a statement.

Public pressure continues to mount online, with Kenyans calling for Rose’s immediate release. Many say her arrest undermines President William Ruto’s recent apology to the youth during the National Prayer Breakfast.

“This is happening just days after an apology was issued. It raises serious questions about the freedoms we are supposed to enjoy when even senior counsel are forced to work late into the night trying to secure justice,” Gichengo stated.