15 Officers Came For Me: Rose Njeri Speaks After Her Release
Njeri expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity she received, calling the government’s response both unexpected and unjustified.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Rose Njeri, the web developer who was recently arrested for building a website where Kenyans could voice their opinions on the Finance Bill 2025, has spoken out for the first time since her release, thanking her supporters.
In a statement posted by activist Hanifa Adan on Tuesday, June 3, Njeri expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity she received, calling the government’s response both unexpected and unjustified.
“I am happy that you all came out in the way you did. I would also want to express sincere gratitude to all who raised their voices regarding my illegal arrest, detention, house search, and possession of my property by the state,” she declared.
She recounted the intense show of force during her arrest, saying around fifteen officers showed up in three Subarus to take her from her home — a move she described as excessive and intimidating, especially since she hadn’t committed any crime.
Web developer Rose Njeri Tunguru when she appeared before Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo on Monday, June 3, 2025. /FACEBOOK
Njeri also voiced gratitude for the outpouring of support through hashtags, protests, and personal visits.
“With the hashtags and protests and visits to come see me, I cannot thank you enough,” she added, highlighting the powerful community response that sustained her throughout the difficult period.
Shifting focus to the bigger political picture, Njeri made a heartfelt call to all Kenyan voters, regardless of age, gender, class, or education.
She warned that anyone could end up facing the kind of treatment she did and urged especially young people to vote for leaders who respect the constitution and follow court decisions.
“When you have a ballot paper in front of your face, I beg you to think. And if I may offer a suggestion, do not vote for someone who does not respect our constitution; do not vote for someone who does not respect court orders or who is angry they were kicked out. Vote for someone who respects and defends the Kenyan constitution. Your decision on who you vote for is personal,” she implored.
Njeri also highlighted the pressing need for electoral reform, stressing the critical role of a restructured Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
She accused the government of stalling the process by dragging its feet on reconstituting the IEBC and urged Kenyans to unite and push for this reform, warning that time is quickly slipping away before the next elections.
“We need to pray for a reconstituted IEBC. According to Kenyan law, elections should be held every five years of the presidency; we are now in June 2025, and we do not have a functional IEBC, so we do not have the luxury of time,” she warned.
Njeri’s statement comes right after Milimani Court, led by Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, released her on a Ksh100,000 personal bond, with a decision on whether she’ll be formally charged set for June 20, 2025.
Her legal team—featuring Kibe Mungai, ex-Chief Justice David Maraga, Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka, Eric Theuri, and Ndegwa Njiru—strongly opposed the charges the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) planned to bring against her.
They argued the charge sheet is invalid because it doesn’t specify any constitutional offence and lacks enough detail for Njeri to enter a plea.
Lawyer Njiru pushed the court not to let Njeri plead, saying that would violate her rights.
Senator Daniel Maanzo, also part of the defence, told the court the charge breaches Article 25(2)(n) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and forbids limiting it.
