Following her release, Mulei told the media that she did not go to the Ministry of Health offices for her self-gain but to speak on behalf of patients who had a difficult time accessing SHA services.
“I am just a nurse who hates seeing patients suffer because of SHA,” Mulei said.
Mulei, who gained public attention for storming a press briefing held by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa at the Ministry of Health offices at Afya House, Nairobi, to raise concerns over Social Health Authority (SHA) challenges, was arrested at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh, where she was scheduled to have a leg surgery.
In a joint statement issued on the evening of Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group criticized how Njoki was forcefully arrested.
The groups emphasized that the Constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health and condemned actions that undermine this right as unacceptable.
“Such actions are a violation of patients’ fundamental rights and a significant barrier to accessing essential healthcare. Every individual, regardless of their advocacy or opinions, deserves the right to health without fear of intimidation, harassment, or arrest,” read the statement.
Lobby Groups and a section of Kenyans condemn arrest of Mulei by DCI
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 Ms. Mulei might also be at risk of arrest.
Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua also criticized the arrest of the 61-year-old woman. She described the charges leveled against her as “petty” and aimed at discouraging Kenyans from seeking accountability. “Access to health is a fundamental right, which you have violated by arresting her at a hospital,” she said.
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AMREF Group CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi also condemned the arrest, questioning why the police apprehended Grace for storming the Ministry of Health offices, which is a public entity.
“MoH is a public office, health is a public good, and an inalienable UN Charter human right—where is the crime?” Githinji asked.
Former acting KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Chibanzi Mwachonda also weighed in, stating, “Abducting a patient who was seeking treatment because she criticized the dysfunctional SHA is the highest level of inhumanity that a government can resort to. It is a violation of the right to health and the right to freedom of speech.”
Protestors storm Health CS Press Conference
According to the DCI, Njoki was arrested for causing a disturbance in the Ministry of Health boardroom and will be arraigned in court on Friday, January 24, 2025.
“A suspect has been arrested following reports of a disturbance at the Ministry of Health Boardroom at the Capitol Hill Police Station,” said DCI.
The statement added, “The suspect, Grace Njoki Mulei, was tracked down to Hombe Road, off Juja Road, and successfully apprehended. She has been taken to Capitol Hill Police Station, where she will remain in custody until her court appearance scheduled for Thursday January 24.”
On January 15, 2025, a group of angry patients, some with infants, stormed a press conference held by Health CS Barasa at Afya House.
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They were protesting issues with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) system, which had left many unable to access medical services despite paying premiums.
The Ministry of Health acknowledged the SHA challenges and promised to resolve the problem.
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