Gachagua calls for immediate release of activist Rose Njeri

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now calling for the immediate release of activist Rose Njeri.

According to Gachagua, it is time Kenyans stand united against anyone trying to silence their voices and speak up for their rights.

“Now, more than ever, Kenyans must remain vigilant. We must speak up for our rights and each other.

“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 on Monday.

Rose Njeri, a Kenyan software developer and activist, was arrested for developing an online website, Civic Email, that asked Kenyans to object to the Finance Bill 2025.

She was arrested on Friday, May 30, 2025, in South B, Nairobi.

"I wrote a simple programme that lets you reject the Finance Bill 2025 with just one click. Click below to send your objection," she said in a tweet.

Several people and humanitarian groups, including former Chief Justice David Maraga and the Law Society of Kenya, have since come together to condemn her arrest and detention and call for her immediate release.

A group of activists on Sunday stormed Pangani police station in Nairobi, demanding the immediate release of a fellow activist who was arrested on Friday afternoon in South B.

The protesters, who included activists Boniface Mwangi and Hanifa Adan, together with family members of Rose Njeri, gathered at the police station to demand her immediate release.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who visited Rose before the protest, said on his X account that apprehending Rose was not only unlawful but also went against her constitutional rights.

The Finance Bill 2025 proposes several key changes to enhance tax collection and simplify compliance.

It introduces tax deductibility for contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund, affordable housing levy, and post-retirement medical funds, which could reduce taxable income for contributors.

The bill also plans to replace the current 1.5 per cent Digital Services Tax with a 20 per cent Significant Economic Presence Tax targeting foreign digital businesses, broadening the tax base.

Excise duties are adjusted, including a 10 per cent levy on money transfer services, 15 per cent on alcohol and betting advertisements, and 5 per cent on imported sugar, except for pharmaceutical use.

The VAT registration threshold is raised from Sh5 million to Sh8 million to ease the burden on smaller businesses.

Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority will have greater access to financial data, such as mobile money statements, to better detect tax evasion. These proposals aim to strengthen revenue but have raised concerns over privacy and business impact.