Health activist Grace Njoki Mulei, 61, was arrested on January 22, 2025, at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh, Nairobi, prompting widespread criticism from human rights organizations. Mulei, known for her criticism of the Social Health Authority (SHA), was apprehended by plainclothes Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers while seeking medical care for knee surgery. She was charged with creating a disturbance during a January 15 protest at the Ministry of Health.
Organizations like the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and Amnesty International Kenya have condemned the arrest. “This action violates both patients’ rights and freedoms of expression,” stated the KMA. Civil society groups argue that the arrest undermines the right to peaceful protest and access to healthcare.
The arrest has raised questions due to the connection between Dr. Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, SHA chairperson and founder of Ladnan Hospital, where Mulei was arrested. Critics speculate that the move was retaliatory, aimed at silencing her activism.
Mulei’s arrest highlights the tension between activism and law enforcement in Kenya, with concerns about government accountability and healthcare rights. Observers warn that such actions could deter peaceful protest and further erode civil liberties. Currently, Mulei remains in custody, with mounting calls for her release. This case has become a focal point for discussions on health policy reforms and the protection of activists in Kenya.