DCI Arrests Grace Mulei: Alleged Disruption at Ministry of Health
Grace Mulei, a 61-year-old woman, was recently arrested by The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for allegedly causing a disturbance during a protest at the Ministry of Health offices. The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society groups, who are calling for the charges against her to be dropped. This incident, which occurred on January 15, 2025, has sparked debates about the state of healthcare in Kenya and the rights of citizens to peacefully advocate for better services.
DCI’s Arrest of Mulei
The DCI apprehended Grace Mulei after she allegedly created a disturbance at the Ministry of Health’s boardroom during a protest against the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The DCI tracked her down to Hombe Road, off Juja Road, and detained her at the Upper Hill Police Station. According to a statement from the DCI, she will remain in custody until her court appearance. The incident occurred just days after Mulei, along with other patients and advocates, stormed the Ministry’s offices to raise concerns about inefficiencies and inequalities within the SHIF system.
The arrest has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of citizens who challenge government policies. Mulei, who is a patient, had visited the Ministry of Health to protest the inequities within the SHIF, a system that has been widely criticized for its failures to provide adequate healthcare to Kenyans who depend on it. Mulei’s actions were intended to amplify the voices of many citizens who feel neglected by the system.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
Following Grace Mulei’s arrest, several civil society organizations have demanded her immediate release and the dropping of charges. Prominent groups such as the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya expressed concern that Grace Mulei’s arrest was a violation of her rights as a patient and a Kenyan citizen. The groups emphasized that advocating for better public health services should not be treated as a criminal act, but as a civic duty aimed at improving the lives of all citizens.
In a joint statement, these organizations condemned the arrest, arguing that it undermines the fundamental right to health and the freedom to express dissent peacefully. “Advocacy for improved public health services is not a crime. It is a right and a necessary step towards achieving a healthier, more equitable society,” they said. The statement also highlighted the need for the government to foster an environment where health services can be accessed freely, without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
The Incident at Afya House
The protest that led to Grace Mulei’s arrest took place on January 15, 2025, at Afya House, the headquarters of the Ministry of Health. Mulei, along with other individuals, stormed the offices to demand an explanation for the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the SHIF. Despite paying premiums, many Kenyans have struggled to access treatment, with reports of technical glitches, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of transparency plaguing the system.
Mulei, who has been vocal about the failures of the SHIF, argued that the system was failing the majority of patients who depend on it for medical care. “This system is a failure. It is not providing the services that it promises to Kenyans,” she said during the protest. Mulei and other protesters walked from Kenyatta National Hospital to the SHIF offices in an attempt to get answers from the Ministry. However, their efforts were met with resistance and, eventually, Mulei’s arrest.
The Arrest and Alleged Mistreatment
Grace Njoki Mulei has shared her side of the story regarding her arrest, claiming that she was forcibly detained by officers who did not identify themselves. According to Mulei, while receiving treatment at Ladnan Hospital, she was approached by two men and a woman who forcibly arrested her without explaining the reason for her detention. “They didn’t provide any identification or charges,” Mulei recounted. She claimed that the officers seized her phone when she tried to contact her family to inform them of her situation.
Mulei described the arrest as an abduction, as she was taken to three different locations by officers who failed to provide any details of the arrest. She further stated that when hospital staff tried to intervene on her behalf, they were overpowered by more than 20 officers from the Pangani Police Station, who dragged her out of the facility. Mulei has expressed outrage over the manner in which she was treated, claiming that her arrest was not only unjust but also a violation of her rights as a patient and a citizen.
Release on Bail and Continued Advocacy
After spending 24 hours in custody, Grace Njoki Mulei was released on a Sh10,000 cash bail. During a media interview following her release, Mulei described her ordeal and reiterated her criticisms of the SHIF system. “I am not seeking any political position,” she clarified. “All I am asking for is better healthcare for the many patients who are being failed by the current system.” She emphasized that her actions were motivated by a desire to advocate for those who are unable to speak up about their struggles with the healthcare system.
Mulei’s release has not quelled the growing public outcry. Human rights organizations and healthcare advocates continue to push for her case to be reviewed and for all charges against her to be dropped. They argue that Mulei’s actions were in line with her right to peaceful protest and her duty as a citizen to demand better healthcare for herself and others. The widespread condemnation of her arrest has raised questions about the government’s stance on freedom of expression and the treatment of patients who advocate for their rights.
Calls for Reform in the Social Health Insurance Fund
The arrest of Grace Njoki Mulei has shed light on the ongoing issues with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a system that is supposed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Kenyans. The SHIF has been under scrutiny for its failure to deliver on its promises, with many citizens reporting difficulties in accessing treatment despite paying premiums. The system has been plagued by inefficiencies, technical challenges, and a lack of transparency, leaving many Kenyans frustrated and disillusioned with the government’s healthcare policies.
Mulei’s protest was not an isolated incident. Many other patients have voiced similar concerns about the inadequacies of the SHIF system. The Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and other advocacy groups have called for urgent reforms to ensure that the system delivers quality healthcare to all citizens. These groups are pushing for greater transparency, better management of funds, and improved access to medical care for all Kenyans, particularly those in rural areas.
