Nairobi, Kenya – A wave of outrage has erupted following the arrest of 61-year-old Grace Njoki Mulei, who was detained while seeking medical attention for a knee surgery at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The incident has drawn condemnation from human rights groups, legal experts, and the medical community, calling it a gross violation of her rights.
Njoki, who had previously protested inefficiencies in the government’s health insurance scheme (SHA) at the Ministry of Health offices on January 15, was apprehended by individuals identifying as Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers. Eyewitnesses at the hospital reported that she was forcibly removed and driven to the Capitol Hill Police Station.
“My mother called me in distress, saying officers had ‘come for her,’” said George Mulei, Njoki’s son. “When I arrived at the hospital, she was already gone. We still don’t know her exact condition or whereabouts.”
Njoki has been charged with creating a disturbance in a government office. She remains in custody without bail, contrary to Article 49(1)(h) of the Constitution, which guarantees bail unless compelling reasons exist.
The Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, and Police Reforms Working Group have strongly condemned the arrest. “Advocating for better healthcare services is not a crime. The arrest of Grace Njoki Mulei disrupts her medical care and sets a dangerous precedent for patient rights,” the groups said in a joint statement.
Njoki’s detention has sparked public outcry, with citizens and activists accusing the government of punishing dissent rather than addressing the inefficiencies in the healthcare system. Critics argue that the focus should be on resolving systemic failures in SHA rather than silencing those who speak out.
Njoki’s court appearance is scheduled for today, amid calls for her unconditional release and assurances of her safety.
