FIDA-Kenya demands government to drop all charges against Rose Njeri
The federation reaffirmed its dedication to defending the rights of women and all citizens to participate in civic and democratic spaces freely and safely.
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has called on the government to immediately drop all charges against software developer Rose Njeri, citing gross violations of her constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, public participation and due process.
In a statement on Tuesday, the federation expressed concern that Njeri was injured during her arrest, denied legal counsel and medication, and forced to surrender her phone, laptop and passwords.
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FIDA-Kenya lamented that Njeri was arrested on May 30, 2025, without a warrant. The organisation termed the arrest and subsequent detention unlawful, noting that her whereabouts remained unknown throughout the long weekend.
“Disturbingly, her whereabouts remained unknown to her family and legal representatives over the long weekend,” FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu said in a statement.
The federation condemned reports indicating that Njeri was not only injured during the arrest but was also denied access to a lawyer and essential medication.
On Tuesday, Njeri was charged under Section 16 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018.
FIDA-Kenya stated that the actions of the National Police Service in handling Njeri’s case constitute serious violations of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, specifically Article 47 on Fair Administrative Action, Article 48 on Access to Justice, Article 49 on the Rights of Arrested Persons, and Article 50 on the Right to a Fair Trial.
“The way the Police handled Njeri falls far below the standards expected of a democratic state that upholds the rule of law and the dignity of its people, particularly women who continue to face systemic vulnerabilities when interacting with law enforcement agencies,” Kungu said.
The federation urged authorities to respect and safeguard the rights of all citizens to engage in governance and democratic processes without facing intimidation, harassment, or the threat of arbitrary arrest.
Additionally, FIDA emphasised the need for law enforcement officers to act strictly within constitutional limits, uphold human rights standards, and be held accountable for any actions that infringe on civil liberties and due process.
The federation reaffirmed its dedication to defending the rights of women and all citizens to participate in civic and democratic spaces freely and safely.
“We stand in solidarity with Njeri and all those who seek to advance justice, accountability, and the rule of law in Kenya,” the federation said.
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