Nairobi, January 24, 2025 – We strongly condemn the arrest of Ms. Grace Njoki Mulei, a 61-year-old patient, who was detained by individuals identifying themselves as officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) while seeking medical assistance for knee surgery at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh. Ms. Mulei had previously participated in a peaceful protest at the Ministry of Health offices on January 15, 2025, highlighting inefficiencies in the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to reports, Ms. Mulei has been charged with creating a disturbance in a government office and has been denied bail. This action contravenes Article 49(1)(h) of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the right to be released on bond or bail under reasonable conditions, pending trial, unless compelling reasons are provided.
We join other civil society organizations (CSOs) and other patriotic Kenyans in categorically condemning this shameful act by the authorities. It is important to emphasize that the actions of Ms. Mulei and other patriotic Kenyans who peacefully demanded accountability from the Ministry of Health regarding the mismanagement of the SHA were expressions of public feedback, not criminal acts. President William Ruto’s administration must view such protests as an urgent call to action rather than an opportunity to criminalize concerned citizens.
In solidarity with Grace Njoki Mulei and countless other Kenyans who are suffering, sick, and unable to access critical medical services—which is a fundamental right as espoused in Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya—we categorically state that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has introduced inefficiencies that have denied Kenyans access to essential healthcare despite their financial contributions. It is both ironic and deeply unacceptable that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is targeting peaceful protesters instead of investigating the alleged mismanagement within the SHA that is crippling the health sector. If the DCI is to act in the public interest, its efforts should focus on uncovering and addressing the root causes of these inefficiencies, including any criminal activities undermining the delivery of healthcare services to the people of Kenya.
The right to demand better services is a fundamental aspect of democracy and not a crime. Furthermore, we question the basis of the charges against Ms. Mulei and demand to know who the complainant is in this case. Access to health services is a basic human right, and the shortcomings in the SHA are accountability issues that require immediate redress, not intimidation of those who speak out.
If Ms. Mulei is not released immediately, we will mobilize judicial action to ensure her rights are upheld. We call upon the relevant authorities to guarantee that her constitutional rights are respected, including her right to legal representation and medical care. We further urge a transparent and thorough review of the circumstances leading to her arrest and demand the immediate withdrawal of all charges against her.
Advocating for improved public health services is not a crime but a civic duty that ensures equitable healthcare for all. We stand in solidarity with Ms. Mulei and all individuals who courageously speak out against systemic inefficiencies and injustices.
Dr. Kawive Wambua
Ag. CEO Inuka kenya Ni Sisi!