Njeri Arrest – Kenya’s ‘Growing Intolerance For Dissent’ Slammed
A “troubling sign” of the state’s willingness to “target youth and innovation” is the arrest and charge of software developer Rose Njeri, according to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Njeri was arrested on May 31 for creating the Civic Email, an online platform that allows anyone to immediately submit input to the Parliamentary Finance Committee and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, facilitating public objections to the proposed Finance Bill.
“Instead of celebrating her innovation and contribution to civic engagement, the state has chosen to make an example of her,” Gachagua stated.
He claimed that despite the widespread demonstrations against the contentious bill last year, the administration still hasn’t learnt how to “listen to the people”.
