A Dozen Police Officers Sent To Arrest Woman Who Disrupted CS Mulongo’s Meeting
Grace Njoki Mulei, 61, a healthcare reform champion, was detained on Thursday evening, January 23, 2025, at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh.
The arrest has sparked worldwide anger and revived concern about Kenya’s healthcare system and human rights record.
The arrest occurred just days after Mulei and other residents protested at the Ministry of Health on January 15, 2025.
This is why Grace Mulei has been abducted.
— I am Chege (@_James041) January 23, 2025
She confronted Health CS over nonfunctioning Health Insurance Fund.
We demand the unconditional release of Grace Mulei.#FreeGraceMulei #EndAbductionsKE pic.twitter.com/CNAAaY3WTu
The 61-year-old Mulei’s outspoken criticism of the Health Cabinet Secretary and the healthcare system’s shortcomings has elevated her to a prominent position in the campaign for fair healthcare access.
Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya and other civil society organizations have condemned the arrest of 61-year-old Grace Njoki Mulei at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh, Nairobi days after she participated in a protest at Afya House, Nairobi, over inefficiencies in the… pic.twitter.com/2U7rCG9P1m
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 23, 2025
Mulei’s family lawyer, Johnstone Daniel Jnr, spoke to the reporters outside Ladnan Hospital, where the arrest occurred.
“The son received a call around 5 p.m. that there were police officers in plain clothes here pretending they were here to have a conversation with her, and then they later proceeded to arrest her,” Daniel said.
“They refused to identify themselves, they refused to state what charges they were bringing against her, they refused to wait for her advocate to be on the ground, and they have consistently pushed her to write statements, the content of which we do not know. We disavow anything that they claim to have stated.”
Daniel went on to stress the arrest’s inhumane timing, which occurred as Mulei was preparing for knee surgery.
“This is a lady who was coming here to schedule an operation on her leg tomorrow. She was having a consultation with her doctor today to confirm the same,” he lamented.
“It is beyond humanity to think that officers will step in… with a contingent of upwards of 12 to 15 officers over charges which could not amount to six months.”
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) verified Grace Mulei’s arrest in a social media post, indicating that she will be arraigned in court on Friday, January 24, 2025.
ARREST OF A SUSPECT FOR CREATING DISTURBANCE
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) January 23, 2025
A suspect has been arrested following 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… pic.twitter.com/m9kdStteke
“ARREST OF A SUSPECT FOR CREATING DISTURBANCE A suspect has been arrested following reports of a disturbance at the Ministry of Health Boardroom at the Capital Hill Police Station,” DCI said.
“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.”
According to witnesses, Mulei was forced to leave the hospital and escorted to the Capitol Hill Police Station, where she was charged with causing a disturbance at a government office.
Mulei was calling for accountability and reforms at the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has faced allegations of corruption and inefficiency.
Human rights groups, professional associations, and civic organizations have expressed indignation about the way in which she was arrested, as well as the involvement of a huge presence of officers.
In a joint statement, the Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group, Amnesty International Kenya, and others criticized Mulei’s arrest as a severe breach of his rights.
ALSO READ:
- Outrage After 25-Year-Old Man Dies In Police Custody
- ODM’s Oburu Responds To Reports Of Suspending Coalition Talks With UDA
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
- “NO MORE NIL TAX RETURNS!” – KRA Tells Kenyans, Introduces New Changes
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
“Every individual, regardless of their advocacy or opinions, deserves the right to health without fear of intimidation, harassment, or arrest,” the statement read.
“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.”
The coalition demanded Mulei’s immediate release and the dismissal of all allegations against her.
They also demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the officers’ behavior and urged the government to prioritise resolving inefficiencies in the SHA/SHIF to ensure fair access to healthcare for all Kenyan citizens.
A Dozen Police Officers Sent To Arrest Woman Who Disrupted CS Mulongo’s Meeting
