Nairobi police faced a wave of protests on Sunday over the detention of Rose Njeri, a software developer who built a website opposing Kenya’s proposed finance bill.
Dozens of rights activists, including prominent campaigner Boniface Mwangi, gathered outside the station where Njeri has been held since Friday without bail.
Njeri was arrested after sharing her site on X, criticising the finance bill for raising living costs and threatening citizens’ privacy.
Mwangi described her arrest as heavy-handed, recounting how 15 officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations raided her home and seized digital devices.
He said Njeri remained “in high spirits” but was concerned for her two young children, unaware of her whereabouts since her arrest.
“Imagine telling her children she’s in jail for building a tool that helps Kenyans participate in budget decisions,” Mwangi said.
Vocal Africa, a rights group, condemned the arrest as an attack on freedom of expression, digital rights, and civic engagement.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo said police had blocked all efforts to secure Njeri’s release on bail, ignoring legal appeals.
The crackdown echoes a broader pattern of repression under President William Ruto’s administration, following deadly protests over taxes and corruption last year.
At least 60 people were killed and dozens abducted during those protests, according to human rights monitors.
President Ruto claimed last month that all those abducted had been returned home, but activists argue the repression continues.
As public outcry mounts, Njeri’s case has come to symbolise the growing risks faced by Kenyans challenging the government online.
