Rigathi Gachagua Demands Immediate Release of Software Developer Rose Njeri: "We Must Speak Up"
- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua condemned the government’s arrest of software developer Rose Njeri, warning it reflects an alleged growing crackdown on youth dissent
- In a statement, Gachagua accused the state of persecuting Njeri for developing an online tool to help Kenyans oppose the Finance Bill 2025
- He also criticised Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s remarks on “fake abductions,” warning it could erode public trust in state institutions
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
As the country nears the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has delivered a blistering critique of the government’s actions.
Source: UGC
Gachagua condemned the arrest of young software developer Rose Njeri, warning that it symbolises an alleged broader crackdown on youthful dissent.
Prior to her arrest, Njeri had created an online platform that enabled citizens to voice objections to the Finance Bill 2025.
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The arrest, Gachagua said, was a glaring example of how the state is targeting innovation and civic engagement, especially among the youth.
“Rose Njeri, a young, brilliant software developer, is the latest victim of this repression,” Gachagua stated. “Her only ‘crime’ was building an online tool to help ordinary Kenyans send their objections to the Finance Bill 2025.”
Rather than acknowledge her creativity and civic commitment, the former DP argued, the government chose to punish her, sending a chilling message to Kenya’s younger generation.
“This is not just an attack on Njeri. It is a continuation of the attack on the youth of this country, on their courage, their innovative spirit, and their belief in the power of their own voices,” he added.
What did Gachagua say about Rose Njeri's arrest?
Gachagua called for Njeri’s immediate release and urged Kenyans to stand united against what he termed “a dangerous trend” of silencing dissent.
“I call for the immediate release of Rose Njeri and urge all Kenyans to stand together against the silencing of our voices. Our future depends on it,” he said.
Source: Facebook
The former DP also took aim at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over recent remarks proposing legislation to criminalise what he termed fake abductions.
Gachagua cautioned that such a move would create room for state abuse and suppress legitimate criticism.
“Who decides what is ‘fake’? The same administration where the president and his top officials dismissed reports of abductions as fake news or self-inflicted, only to quietly admit the truth under public pressure?” Gachagua asked.
He warned that legitimising such narratives could dangerously blur the line between justice and political retribution.
“If the state can so easily lie and dismiss abductions as hoaxes, and then prosecute those who speak out, what recourse remains?” Gachagua asked. “We risk turning the pursuit of justice into a punishable offence, leaving victims and their families helpless.”
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Gachagua concluded his address with a call to action, urging citizens to resist attempts to muzzle independent thought and expression. He said solidarity and vigilance were critical in protecting democratic values.
“Now, more than ever, Kenyans must remain vigilant. We must speak up for our rights and for each other.”
He further mocked the government’s recent gestures of contrition over last year’s protests, describing them as insincere.
“Ironically and curiously, this is the same administration pretending to ask for forgiveness with lines like, ‘If there is any misstep, we apologise...’” he said, calling such remarks “melancholic crocodile tears.”
Gachagua’s comments come as tensions continue to rise over the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
What did Kenyans oppose in the Finance Bill 2025?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Kenyans from various sectors raised strong objections to several proposals in the bill.
Concerns ranged from increased taxes on essential goods to threats against personal privacy.
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The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) warned that shifting basic goods from zero-rated to exempt VAT would drive up living costs.
Other stakeholders criticised proposals allowing the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) access to private data, including phone usage and trade secrets, calling it an invasion of privacy.
Developers protested the proposed removal of tax breaks for companies building mass housing, arguing it would hurt efforts to provide affordable homes.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
