Mungatana blasts political witch hunt against Rose Njeri, dismisses re-arrest fears
Tana River County Senator Dan Mungatana has come out strongly to defend web developer Rose Njeri, describing the charges against her as a politically motivated witch hunt.
In a statement during an interview with a local TV station on June 4, 2025, Mungatana dismissed fears of her re-arrest, calling the allegations baseless and an attempt by shadowy actors to damage her reputation.
“In this case, it is sort of political; they want to attack it and take that risk that even if they release her, assuming they convince the court that the charge sheet is defective, the likelihood of the police arresting her is not good because of the public uproar,” he said.
Rose Njeri, the online activist who was freed on June 3, 2025, on a Ksh100,000 bond, is a respected entrepreneur and digital activist who was arrested on May 30, 2025, over claims that she developed a tool enabling citizens to voice their opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2025.
Authorities alleged her actions disrupted government systems, but her quick release on bail amid public outcry fueled claims that the charges were politically driven.
He, however, dismissed claims that Njeri might dismiss rearrest rumours as unfounded. He warned that any attempt to detain her again would spark widespread public outrage, insisting that there is absolutely no basis to re-arrest Njeri.
The senator’s confidence stems from what he describes as a lack of solid evidence against Njeri. He urged the public to be cautious about politicized narratives that risk undermining trust in the justice system.
Demand for fairness
Mungatana’s outspoken defense of Njeri has reignited discussions about the misuse of state power to target individuals inconvenient to certain political interests. He emphasized the importance of fairness and the rule of law, noting that the real evidence should be taken to court and not splashed across headlines for political gain.
Meanwhile, Njeri has maintained a low public profile. Her legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge any charges, focusing on clearing her name and ensuring her businesses continue to operate. Njeri’s enterprises are credited with providing employment opportunities in Tana River and beyond, making her an influential figure in the local economy.
The case has divided opinion across Kenya’s social media platforms. Supporters view Njeri as a victim of political scheming, while others insist on a thorough investigation to uphold transparency and accountability. This divide reflects the broader political climate in Kenya, where allegations of corruption frequently intertwine with political rivalry.
Looking ahead
As the drama unfolds, attention is focused on whether authorities will press forward with the case or allow it to fade. Mungatana has urged Kenyans to reject what he calls vicious propaganda and to unite behind principles of justice and fairness.
