Pressure is mounting over the arrest and detention of 35-year-old Rose Njeri, a single mother of two, who was picked up by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday for allegedly creating a website that enlightens the public on the Finance Bill 2025.

Njeri is accused of encouraging Kenyans to reject the Bill. Users can submit their feedback directly to the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Parliamentary Finance Committee.

Njeri, who specialises in branding and IT, is being held at the Pangani Police Station. She was arrested in South B estate in Nairobi by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, reportedly without being informed of the charges against her.

Her home was later searched by the officers, and her work tools, including computers, hard drives, and phones confiscated.

Human rights groups said the arrest signals an alarming trend of criminalising digital civic engagement, especially as the country approaches the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests.

According to Njeri, she had not made arrangements for the care of her two children, aged three and 13, at the time of her arrest. Her mother was forced to travel from Nyeri to take care of the children after she was arrested.

“I have low iron anaemia and I am the sole provider for my family. They took away my working tools, and I am worried about my security, especially after being told during the arrest that I was being trailed,” said Njeri.

Boniface Mwangi, a human rights activist, speaking after visiting Njeri in custody, described the arrest as excessive, noting that she was taken in by a team of at least 15 officers.

“They ransacked her house, took her machines and phones, and are holding her without clear charges. This is not law enforcement, it is intimidation,” he said.

Mwangi questioned the rationale behind arresting someone before a proper investigation had been carried out.

“The police are committing a crime. They arrested her before investigating. You investigate first, then arrest if there’s a case,” he said.

Mwangi, along with other activists, condemned the refusal of the DCI to release Njeri on police cash bail, with officers at Pangani claiming they are merely holding her in custody while the matter is being handled at the DCI headquarters.

Ian Mutiso, an advocate of the High Court, said her arrest and seizure of her devices violated the Constitution, including the right to privacy and fair legal procedures.

“She was never read her Miranda rights, and her gadgets were taken without a proper miscellaneous application being filed in court. This is one of several cases we have seen in recent days. From the four filmmakers linked to Blood Parliament documentary to David Ohaga, none of these individuals have been charged, yet their property was seized,” said Mutiso.

Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, called the arrest a blatant abuse of power. “The DCI arrested her on a Friday, clearly intending to detain her through the long Madaraka Day weekend. There is no legal basis to deny her bail. She is not a flight risk, and her residence is well known,” said Khalid.

Ruth Mumbi, an activist, questioned why the government is afraid of public participation.

“The only crime that Njeri has committed, is trying to help Kenyans understand what is in the Finance Bill. That is civic education, not criminal activity,” said Mumbi.

“This government is afraid of truth-tellers. You cannot jail a woman for speaking up. It is shameful that on Madaraka Day, when we should be celebrating our independence, we are detaining someone like Njeri. Women of Kenya will not stay silent,” she added.