Activist Rose Njeri Freed on Bond Over Alleged Cyber Offence Linked to Finance Bill Protest
Tech activist and software developer Rose Njeri Tunguru has been released on a Sh100,000 personal bond after facing charges linked to a digital tool she created to rally public opposition to the 2025 Finance Bill. The court is set to rule on the matter on June 20.
Highlights:
- Rose Njeri released on Sh100,000 personal bond.
- Former CJ David Maraga and Kalonzo Musyoka led her defence team.
- She faces two charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
- Accused of creating a tool that enabled mass emails to Parliament.
- Plea taking was postponed due to a defective charge sheet.
Main Story:
Rose Njeri Tunguru, a vocal civic tech advocate, has been released on bond following her arrest over allegations of cyber interference targeting the National Assembly.
Appearing in court on Tuesday, Njeri was granted a Sh100,000 personal bond as her legal team successfully challenged the charge sheet. Her lawyers, including former Chief Justice David Maraga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, argued that the charges were defective, leading the court to delay the plea taking.
The charges stem from a software Njeri reportedly developed to help Kenyans send bulk emails to the National Assembly’s Finance Committee and the Clerk. The emails were intended to express public dissatisfaction with the proposed 2025 Finance Bill.
According to the prosecution, Njeri unlawfully accessed Parliament’s computer systems and disrupted traffic to two official email addresses. Authorities claim her platform interfered with the standard flow of feedback during the Finance Bill consultations.
The case has ignited national interest, with many Kenyans viewing Njeri’s innovation as a form of digital activism aimed at strengthening public participation in governance. Supporters have praised her for empowering citizens to speak out against controversial tax proposals.
The ruling on the matter is expected on June 20, with many watching closely as the case touches on the intersection of civic tech, free expression, and cybersecurity laws
As the court weighs the evidence, the case could set a precedent for how civic tech tools are treated under Kenyan cybercrim
