In Kenya, there has been a considerable outpouring of outrage concerning the detention of software developer Rose Njeri, who has been arrested for creating an online tool aimed at assisting citizens to contest the government’s annual financial bill. The financial bill has raised alarms among the populace, primarily due to fears that it could exacerbate living costs, which are already a significant concern for many Kenyans.
Njeri, a mother of two, was taken into custody on a Friday following a police raid at her home in Nairobi, during which authorities confiscated electronic devices, including her laptop and mobile phone. As of now, neither the police nor government officials have made any formal comments regarding her detention. This situation has rekindled memories of mass protests that erupted last year, triggered by similar tax hikes proposed by the government, prompting President William Ruto to retract the 2024 finance bill due to public unrest.
The financial bill in question outlines how the government intends to augment national income. In a previous crackdown on widespread protests, at least 50 individuals reportedly lost their lives, and numerous others were forcibly abducted, leading to heightened tensions between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
In response to Njeri’s arrest, Faith Odhiambo, the president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), described the incident as indicative of a “recurrence of dictatorship.” The detention sparked immediate protests, with activists gathering outside the police station in Nairobi where Njeri is being held, demanding her release. Odhiambo noted that Njeri was “crestfallen,” as there had been legal attempts for her release on bail which had failed. She expressed concerns about the government’s strategy of oppressing and intimidating citizens, particularly by eschewing court proceedings during weekends and holidays to prolong detentions.
Activist Boniface Mwangi, who visited Njeri in custody, conveyed that she was visibly distressed about her children and the situation she faced. He recounted her worries about explaining to her children that her actions—developing a website designed to facilitate public participation regarding the 2025 budget—had resulted in her arrest. The website’s purpose was to flag clauses in the finance bill that could lead to increased living costs and allow citizens to voice their opposition directly to Parliament.
Njeri’s initiative stands particularly notable because it aimed to highlight a proposal in the finance bill that would enable tax authorities to access personal data without requiring a court order – a move activists argue poses serious risks to privacy rights. Furthermore, the bill aims to replace the zero-rated tax provisions on essential commodities with a tax-exempt status. This alteration means that while these goods will still not incur value-added tax (VAT), suppliers will not be able to reclaim input VAT, potentially leading to higher consumer prices or eroded profit margins for businesses.
Finance Minister John Mbadi acknowledged that while tax-exempt goods might become “slightly more expensive,” this change is deemed necessary to address tax loopholes and alleged fraudulent claims made by traders regarding zero-rated goods refunds. This situation is compounded by the overall economic discontent pervading the nation, which has seen Ruto apologize to Kenyan youth for “any missteps” made during his administration since taking office in 2022.
Amid these contentious public sentiments, the developments of Njeri’s case serve as a microcosm of the broader conflict between government policy and citizen rights in Kenya. As the government prepares to propose new budgetary measures in Parliament next week, activists and citizens alike remain watchful, ready to react against what they perceive as an infringement on their rights and quality of life.
This unfolding drama is emblematic of the tense sociopolitical climate in Kenya, where the balance between governance and civil liberties hangs precariously, precipitating debates over accountability, transparency, and justice in the face of perceived governmental overreach.
