A Kenyan software developer, Rose Njeri, was charged on Tuesday with violating cybercrime laws after creating a website to mobilise opposition against a new finance bill.
This incident comes a year after similar legislation sparked widespread protests.
Human rights groups have criticised President William Ruto’s government for cracking down on dissent since the June 2024 demonstrations against tax increases and corruption, during which security forces allegedly killed at least 60 people and abducted dozens more.
Njeri was arrested on Friday after launching a website that detailed concerns about the current finance bill, which is currently being debated in parliament. Her site also facilitated users in sending their complaints directly to parliament.
Credit: The Eastleigh Voice
Appearing in a Nairobi court, Njeri was accused of breaching Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. The charge sheet alleges she created a “program that automatically generated and sent mass emails” to the official finance committee, thereby “interfering with the normal functioning of the systems.”
Njeri’s arrest has ignited considerable public outrage in Kenya. Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who attended court in her support, condemned her prolonged detention as a “worrying trend” intended to “abuse the court process.” Maraga specifically criticised her Friday arrest, noting that Monday was a public holiday, suggesting it was designed to “torture her.”
Kenya’s latest finance bill was released in late April and is currently open for public feedback. Last year’s protests were heavily organised online, with activists using social media to inform the public about the proposed tax hikes. Njeri has been released on bail and is scheduled to reappear in court on June 20.
