“Think before you vote” – Rose Njeri tells Kenyans as she slams State over her arrest

Rose Njeri when she appeared at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on June 3, 2025. She was released on a personal bond of Sh100,000. (Photo: Carolyne Kubwa)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Njeri was arrested on May 30, 2025, after police linked her to a digital campaign that enabled Kenyans to oppose controversial tax proposals by sending direct emails to legislators through her website.

“Next time you have a ballot paper in front of your face, think,” software developer Rose Njeri has said, urging Kenyans to vote wisely and elect leaders who uphold the Constitution and defend civil liberties.

Speaking on Tuesday after her release from Pangani Police Station, Njeri condemned her arrest as “ludicrous” and illegal, claiming that about 15 officers stormed her home in three Subaru vehicles.

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Njeri was arrested on May 30, 2025, after police linked her to a digital campaign that enabled Kenyans to oppose controversial tax proposals by sending direct emails to legislators through her website.

She said the show of force was excessive and intended to intimidate her, especially since no crime had been committed.

“The show, of course, during the illegal arrest and intimidation by around 15 men, that is, three Subarus, versus the lack of crime committed, was ridiculous. I’m happy that you all saw that as the case and reacted as you did with the hashtags and protests and visits,” she said.

Njeri credited public pressure, including online protests and in-person visits, for securing her release, and used the moment to urge Kenyans to make conscious and principled political choices in the upcoming elections.

“I’d like to send a plea to all Kenyans of voting age, the next time you have a ballot paper in front of your face, and this might sound harsh, I beg you to think, really think. If I may offer a suggestion, don’t vote for a person who doesn’t respect our Kenyan Constitution. Don’t vote for someone who doesn’t respect court orders and don’t vote for someone who’s only angry he got kicked out,” she said.

“Vote for someone who respects and defends the Kenyan Constitution, because if tomorrow you’re in my shoes, you’d want to have a leader who can extend to you your constitutional rights. So your decision on who you vote for is personal and directly affects you.”

The developer, who recently built a platform to enable citizens to submit feedback on the 2025 Finance Bill, also called for the urgent reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the next general elections.

She pointed out that the country is behind schedule in preparing for the polls due to the absence of a fully functional electoral body.

“We need to rally for a reconstituted IEBC. According to Kenyan law, elections should be held every fifth year of the presidency. If you do your math, we are due for elections in August 2026. We are in June 2025 and don’t have a functional IEBC, so we don’t have the luxury of time. We need to focus our energies on the reconstitution of the IEBC,” Njeri said.

She further expressed deep appreciation for the public support she received during her ordeal.

“I can’t thank you enough for your support. I express my sincere gratitude to anyone who raised their voice in any way regarding my illegal arrest, detention, house search and possession of my property by the State,” she said.

The developer was released on a Sh100,000 bond after Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo scheduled a ruling for June 20, 2025, to determine whether she will face cybercrime-related charges.

During the court proceedings, detectives alleged that Njeri had interfered with the official communication system of the Clerk of the National Assembly by directing mass emails to the platform, thereby disrupting its normal functioning.