Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai has dropped the case filed against Grace Njoki Mulei, the woman who disrupted a meeting chaired by the Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, at Afya House.
PS Kimutai on Thursday, January 30, agreed to drop the charges following pressure mounted by Members of Parliament (MPs).
Njoki, who stormed the meeting in a dramatic turn of events, had been arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following the incident.
However, several MPs speaking during an ongoing Mid-Term Review in Naivasha, defended her, questioning the government’s handling of the matter.
According to the MPs, the Ministry of Health ought to have taken a more compassionate approach to her grievances.
“As representatives of the people, we are committed to ensuring that this initiative delivers on its promise of ensuring accessible, affordable and quality healthcare for all Kenyans,” stated Speaker Moses Wetangla.
Also Read: Grace Mulei Who Stormed Afya House Freed
Grace Njoki Mulei Arrested and PS Kimtai Charges
Police officers dramatically arrested Grace Njoki Mulei dragged her out of Ladnan Hospital on January 23 and accused her of creating a disturbance.
According to DCI, they received reports of a disturbance at the Ministry of Health Boardroom at the Capital Hill Police Station.
“The suspect, Grace Njoki Mulei, was tracked down to Hombe Road, off Juja Road, and successfully apprehended. She has been taken to Capital Hill Police Station, where she will remain in custody until her court appearance scheduled for tomorrow,” stated DCI after the arrest.
Consequently, the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group issued a statement criticising the arrest.
Also Read: Drama as KNH Patients Storm Afya House Over SHA Complaints
Additionally, the professional bodies urged the government and relevant authorities to immediately review the incident and drop all charges against Njoki.
The lobby groups also raised concerns that other patients who accompanied Njoki might also be at risk of arrest.
Grace Mulei was later freed on a Ksh10,000 police cash bail, with her lawyers saying that the police were uncertain about what charges to press against her.
After her release, Mulei shared with the media that her visit to the Ministry of Health offices wasn’t for personal gain, but to advocate for patients who were struggling to access SHA services.
“I am just a nurse who hates seeing patients suffer because of SHA,” Mulei said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates