Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua has added weight to the ongoing discussion of the dramatic arrest of the advocate for healthcare reform Grace Njoki Mulei.
Taking to her official X account, on Friday, January 24, 2025, Karua pointed out that arresting Mulei at the hospital denied her access to health which is a fundamental right thus violating the constitution.
Commenting on the charge levelled against her by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Karua termed it as petty adding that the charge is designed to discourage Kenyans from holding the government accountable.
“This is a petty charge designed to discourage Kenyans from seeking accountability, access to health is a fundamental right which you have violated by arresting her at a hospital,” Karua said.
Mulei’s offence
Confirming her arrest, in a statement on Thursday night January 23, 2025, the DCI disclosed that Mulei was arrested for creating a disturbance at the Ministry of Health boardroom in Nairobi when the Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa was holding a press briefing on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
The detectives further revealed that they will arraign her in court on Friday, January 24, 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 apprehended.
“She has been taken to Capital Hill Police Station, where she will remain in custody until her court appearance scheduled for tomorrow, “DCI said.
Arrest
Mulei was on Thursday forcibly removed from the hospital while scheduling surgery and taken to Capitol Hill Police Station.
In a joint statement, the Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group, Amnesty International Kenya, and others condemned the arrest as a gross violation of Mulei’s rights.
“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 called for Mulei’s immediate release and the dropping of all charges against her.
They also demanded a thorough investigation into the actions of the officers involved and urged the government to prioritize addressing inefficiencies in the SHA/SHIF to guarantee equitable access to healthcare for all Kenyans.
