Rose Njeri, a software developer and digital activist arrested last week over allegations of cybercrime, has been released on a personal bond of Ksh100,000 pending the hearing of her case, which is set for June 20.
Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo made the ruling on Tuesday morning, bringing to a close a tense and highly publicized weekend in which Njeri's arrest and prolonged detention drew national attention and sharp criticism from civil society.
Njeri faces charges under Section 16 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, accused of unauthorized interference with computer systems. The charge stems from her online activism, specifically a tweet she posted on May 19, in which she announced the creation of a website aimed at enabling citizens to voice objections to the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
“I wrote a simple programme that lets you reject the Finance Bill 2025 with just one click,” the tweet read, followed by a link to the website.
The arrest sparked outrage across the country. For nearly three days, Njeri was held at Pangani Police Station, prompting legal concerns over unlawful detention. According to Kenyan law, suspects are required to be arraigned within 24 hours of arrest—a window that was breached over the Madaraka Day weekend.
By Saturday, May 31, a delegation from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led by president Faith Odhiambo, visited the station after what she described as a lengthy process. On Sunday, tensions escalated as civil society activists—including Boniface Mwangi and Hanifa Adan—were reportedly barred from accessing Njeri. In dramatic scenes outside the station, the gates were locked to prevent further entry, even as presidential aspirant and human rights defender Okiya Omtatah was allowed in and seen speaking with Njeri.
Her transfer to another location without prior notification further fueled concerns. LSK’s Odhiambo publicly raised alarm on Tuesday morning over the lack of transparency, stating that neither her legal team nor family had been informed of the move.
Despite the drama, Njeri was eventually presented in court, accompanied by a high-powered legal team that included former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Her case has ignited fresh debate around digital rights, the scope of Kenya’s cybercrime laws, and the freedom of expression in an era where civic engagement is increasingly taking place online.
The court’s decision to release her on bond is seen by many as a temporary relief in what is shaping up to be a landmark case involving tech, civil liberties, and state power.