Nairobi, January 24, 2025 – Grace Njoki Mulei, a 61-year-old nurse who recently made headlines for her protest at the Ministry of Health, was released on a Ksh.10,000 cash bail today. Mulei, who was arrested on January 23 while seeking medical treatment at Ladnan Hospital, spoke to media personalities outside Capital Hill Police Station following her release.
Mulei’s arrest stemmed from her involvement in a protest at the Ministry of Health offices on January 15, where she and other patients voiced their frustrations over the inefficiencies of the Social Health Authority (SHA). The SHA, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), has faced criticism for its delays and system downtimes, leaving patients stranded at hospitals.
Addressing the media, Mulei described her arrest as more of an abduction than a lawful detention. She recounted how officers, who refused to identify themselves, forcibly took her from the hospital and transported her to multiple locations before finally detaining her at Capitol Hill Police Station. “I felt threatened and bullied,” Mulei stated. “They did not tell me why I was being arrested or where they were taking me. It was a violation of my rights.”
Mulei’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, criticized the police for their handling of the case, stating that they were unsure of the charges to press against her. “This is a botched scheme,” Njiru said. “We are ready to face them in court”.
Civil society groups and medical organizations have condemned Mulei’s arrest, calling it an infringement on citizens’ rights to advocate for better healthcare services. They have demanded her immediate release and the dropping of all charges against her.
Mulei’s protest and subsequent arrest have sparked a national debate on the state of healthcare in Kenya and the rights of patients to demand accountability from public institutions. As she awaits her court appearance, Mulei remains resolute in her fight for better healthcare services for all Kenyans.
