A dramatic scene unfolded Tuesday at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi as top legal heavyweights, including former Chief Justice David Maraga and ex-Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, turned up to defend software developer and activist Rose Njeri, who is facing charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Njeriβs arrest last Friday sparked national outrage after she developed a website allowing Kenyans to easily send objections to the controversial Finance Bill 2025. Prosecutors accuse her of creating a program that flooded the Parliament Finance Committeeβs email with mass objections allegedly disrupting its systems.
The defense team, also featuring Senior Counsels Chris Khaminwa and Eugene Wamalwa, argued that her arrest was excessive and unnecessary. Maraga told the court that police could have simply summoned her, instead of treating her like a dangerous criminal.
Outside the court, crowds of supporters sang protest songs, demanding Njeriβs unconditional release. Prominent activists including Boniface Mwangi and Hanifa Adan had earlier been blocked from seeing her in custody.
Magistrate Asenath Ongeri released Njeri on personal bond, with a decision on whether the charge sheet will proceed set for June 20.
Njeriβs case has since become a flashpoint in the growing public backlash against the Finance Bill, turning her into an unexpected face of digital resistance.
