Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has broken ranks with the silence of many leaders following the arrest of youth activist Rose Njeri, offering rare praise for her bold protest against the proposed Data Protection and Surveillance Bill.
Speaking in response to widespread public concern, Cheruiyot described Njeri’s actions as “brilliant,” while urging Parliament to re-evaluate how it engages citizens, especially the youth, in the legislative process.
“If media reports are true, then Rose Njeri’s arrest is not what we envision as a country,” Cheruiyot said.
“What she had done was brilliant. Parliament needs better ways to receive feedback about bills.”
Njeri, a prominent Gen Z activist, was arrested last week following her symbolic protest outside Parliament, where she presented a digital scroll signed by thousands of young Kenyans opposing what they described as a “draconian and invasive” piece of legislation.
Her arrest has sparked a wave of online backlash and renewed scrutiny of how the state handles dissent.
The Kericho Senator’s remarks signal a growing recognition of the youth’s political voice and his support may also reflect a strategic recalibration following President William Ruto’s recent apology to Gen Z for past government overreach.
“This generation is smart, engaged, and creative. Rather than punishing them, we should be listening,” Cheruiyot added.
His comments have been welcomed by civil society groups and youth leaders, many of whom are calling for Njeri’s immediate release and the withdrawal of the controversial bill. As pressure mounts,
Parliament may soon be forced to reconsider not only the bill in question but also its broader relationship with a politically awakened generation.
