The DCI has explained why they arrested Grace Njoki Mulei, a 61-year-old woman who was one of the people who stormed the Ministry of Health offices on January 15, 2025 to protest SHA inequalities and inefficiencies.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says they arrested Mulei following reports of a disturbance at the Ministry of Health boardroom.
“The suspect, Grace Njoki Mulei, was tracked down to Hombe Road, off Juja Road, and successfully apprehended,” the DCI says. “She has been taken to Capital Hill Police Station, where she will remain in custody until her court appearance scheduled for tomorrow (Friday, January 24).”
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) have since condemned Mulei’s arrest.
The bodies claim that Mulei was arrested at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh, Nairobi, where he had gone to seek medical assistance for a knee surgery.
According to reports, individuals identifying themselves as DCI officers arrested her and forcibly removed Mulei from the hospital on Thursday, January 23.
“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,” the bodies say in a statement sent to newsrooms. “The Constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health, and any actions that undermine this right are unacceptable. Picketing and expressing views on public matters is a constitutional right.”
The DCI intends to charge her with creating a disturbance in a government office, with the investigative agency set to take her to court today (Friday, January 24).
KMA, LSK and PRWG rue that following her arrest, Mulei was denied bail contrary to Article 49(1)(h) of the Constitution of Kenya that gives an arrested person the right “to be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons not to be released.”
“We urge the government and relevant authorities to immediately review this incident and drop all charges against Grace Njoki Mulei. We are concerned that other patients who accompanied Ms. Mulei may also be at risk. Advocating for improved public health services is not a crime. It is a civic duty to ensure life-saving health services for a healthier and more equitable society. We call for immediate action to address these violations, safeguard the rights of patients, and foster an environment where health services can be accessed freely and without fear,” the statement adds.
