Rose Njeri, a software developer who created an online tool for citizens to submit feedback on the Finance Bill, has been released on a personal bond of Ksh.100,000. Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo set the date for further hearings on June 20, when the court will decide if Njeri should formally face charges related to cybercrime. She did not enter a plea during the hearing.
The prosecution claims that Njeri’s web application, which sent mass emails to the Finance Committee of the National Assembly, interfered with parliamentary computer systems without authorisation. Detectives say these emails disrupted normal operations by flooding the official email systems of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“The platform created by Ms Njeri directed numerous emails to official parliamentary systems, affecting their normal functioning,” the prosecution told the court.
Njeri’s platform, accessible at https://civic-email.vercel.app/, was designed to facilitate public input on the 2025 Finance Bill. The defence, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga, challenged the charges, arguing they are vague and violate Njeri’s constitutional rights.
“We maintain that Ms Njeri’s actions fall within her right to freedom of expression and public participation,” Maraga said. “The email address targeted by her platform was explicitly meant to receive public feedback on legislative matters.”
The defence asked the court to dismiss the case, release Njeri on personal bond, and return her electronic devices. They also insisted that any data seized should not be admitted as evidence, citing procedural concerns.
Njeri was arrested at her home last Friday and held at Pangani police station before today’s hearing.
The case has sparked debate about the limits of digital activism and the balance between public participation and the security of government systems. Experts caution that while digital platforms can increase civic engagement, they must operate within legal frameworks to avoid unintended disruptions.
As the matter returns to court later this month, many will be watching closely to see how Kenya’s justice system navigates these new challenges in the digital age.
