Kenyan rights activists protested on Sunday outside a Nairobi police station over the two-day detention of software developer Rose Njeri, who created a website opposing a contentious finance bill.
The protest highlights an alleged crackdown on government critics under President William Ruto, following massive protests against tax increases and corruption last June.
Rights groups accuse security forces of killing at least 60 people and abducting dozens more during those protests.
Njeri’s arrest, after sharing her website link on X, is seen as increased suppression of dissent.
Dozens of supporters, including activist Boniface Mwangi, gathered outside the police station, claiming 15 DCI officers arrested Njeri, ransacked her house, and confiscated her devices.
Mwangi reported Njeri’s concern for her children, who are unaware of her detention.
He condemned her arrest as “madness and lawlessness,” citing her website’s purpose to facilitate public input on the 2025 budget.
Rights group Vocal Africa called Njeri’s arrest “a blatant attack on digital rights, freedom of expression and civic engagement.”
Faith Odhiambo, head of LSK, claimed police frustrated efforts to secure Njeri’s release on bail.
President Ruto previously stated that all abducted individuals from the June-July protests had been returned to their families.