PRESS STATEMENT: Statement on the Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Ms. Rose Njeri Tunguru

Nairobi, 3rd June 2025 — The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), is concerned by the arrest and detention of Ms Rose Njeri, a software developer and activist, who was arrested on 30th May 2025 without a warrant. Disturbingly, her whereabouts remained unknown to her family and legal representatives over the long weekend. Media reports further indicate that she was injured during the arrest, denied access to a lawyer, forced into surrendering her mobile phone and laptop – including their passwords, and denied access to any form of medication which she required. Today, Ms. Njeri was charged under Section 16 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018.

These actions by the National Police Service constitute serious violations of Articles 47 (Fair Administrative Action), 48 (Access to Justice), 49 (Rights of Arrested Persons), and 50 (Right to a Fair Trial) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The way the Police handled Ms Njeri falls far below the standards expected of a democratic state that upholds the rule of law and the dignity of its people—particularly women who continue to face systemic vulnerabilities when interacting with law enforcement agencies.

FIDA-Kenya condemns the mistreatment of Ms. Njeri and calls upon the Government of Kenya to:

• 1. Immediately drop all charges against Ms. Njeri that are against her constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression, public participation, and due process.
• 2. Respect and protect the rights of all citizens, to engage in governance and democratic processes without intimidation, harassment, or the threat of arbitrary arrest.
• 3. Ensure that all law enforcement officers act within the confines of the Constitution, uphold human rights standards, and are held accountable for actions that infringe on civil liberties and due process.

FIDA-Kenya reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of women and all citizens to participate in civic and democratic spaces freely and safely. We stand in solidarity with Ms. Njeri and all those who seek to advance justice, accountability, and the rule of law in Kenya.

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For more information or media inquiries, please contact Mark Owuor via owuorm@fidakenya.org