Kenya, June 4 -- In a fiery defence of embattled web developer and digital activist Rose Njeri, Tana River County Senator Dan Mungatana has condemned the charges levelled against her as a politically orchestrated witch hunt aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with a local television station, the senator dismissed fears of Njeri's re-arrest, describing the allegations as baseless and driven by shadowy political actors.
Njeri, a respected entrepreneur and vocal online activist, was arrested on May 30, 2025, accused of developing a digital tool that enabled citizens to voice their opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2025.
Authorities claimed her actions disrupted government systems, but her swift release on June 3, 2025, after posting a Ksh100,000 bond, sparked widespread public outcry and intensified speculation that the charges were politically motivated.
The case has ignited a firestorm of debate across Kenya, with Njeri's supporters arguing that her arrest was an attempt to silence dissent, while others call for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
Senator Mungatana, a prominent figure known for his outspoken stance on issues of justice, used the platform of the TV interview to rally behind Njeri, asserting that the case against her lacks merit.
"In this case, it is sort of political; they want to attack it and take that risk that even if they release her, assuming they convince the court that the charge sheet is defective, the likelihood of the police arresting her is not good because of the public uproar," Mungatana stated, his tone resolute.
He warned that any attempt to re-arrest Njeri would trigger significant public backlash, emphasising that there is "absolutely no basis" for further detention.
The senator's confidence stems from what he describes as a glaring lack of concrete evidence against Njeri. He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant against what he called "politicised narratives" that threaten to erode public trust in the justice system.
Mungatana's remarks have added fuel to an already polarised debate, with many viewing the case as a litmus test for the state of free expression and the rule of law in Kenya.
Mungatana's defence of Njeri has reignited broader discussions about the potential misuse of state power to target individuals who challenge political interests.
The senator stressed the importance of upholding fairness and the rule of law, arguing that evidence against Njeri should be presented in a court of law rather than manipulated for political gain in the media.
"Real evidence should be taken to court, not splashed across headlines," he said, calling on authorities to adhere to legal principles and resist external pressures.
The senator's remarks come at a time when Kenya's political landscape is fraught with tension, particularly surrounding the proposed Finance Bill 2025, which has sparked widespread public debate.
Njeri's digital tool, which allowed citizens to express their opposition to the bill, has been hailed by supporters as a democratic innovation but criticised by authorities as a disruption to government operations.
The controversy has placed Njeri at the centre of a broader struggle between state control and individual freedoms.
Rose Njeri, a Tana River native, has emerged as a polarising yet influential figure in this saga. Known for her entrepreneurial ventures, which have created employment opportunities in Tana River and beyond, Njeri has built a reputation as a champion of digital activism and economic empowerment.
Her arrest has drawn attention not only to her activism but also to her contributions to the local economy, with many residents expressing solidarity with her cause.
Since her release on bail, Njeri has maintained a low public profile, leaving much of the public discourse to her legal team and supporters like Senator Mungatana.
Her lawyers are reportedly preparing a robust defence to challenge the charges, with a focus on clearing her name and protecting her business interests. Sources close to Njeri indicate that she remains determined to continue her work, undeterred by the legal challenges she faces.
The case has sharply divided public opinion, particularly on Kenya's vibrant social media platforms. Supporters of Njeri, who view her as a victim of political scheming, have rallied under hashtags calling for justice and an end to what they describe as state-sponsored intimidation.
Others, however, argue that a thorough investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability, reflecting broader concerns about the intersection of technology, activism, and governance.
This divide mirrors the broader political climate in Kenya, where allegations of corruption and political rivalry frequently dominate public discourse.
The Finance Bill 2025, which has been a lightning rod for controversy, has further amplified tensions, with many Kenyans viewing Njeri's case as emblematic of the government's response to dissent.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.