DCI Arrests Grace Mulei: Patient Advocate Detained Over Protest of SHA Failures at Afya House

On January 23, 2025, Grace Mulei, a 61-year-old patient, was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after she participated in a protest at Afya House, the headquarters of Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

The protest was aimed at highlighting serious issues with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) system, which has been plagued with inefficiencies and glitches since its launch. The incident garnered significant media attention, particularly due to the circumstances surrounding her arrest.

Details of the Arrest

Grace was reportedly apprehended around 4 PM at Ladnan Hospital in Pangani, where she was seeking medical treatment for her leg. CCTV footage captured the moment when officers forcibly escorted her to a vehicle, raising concerns among her family and the public about her safety and the nature of her detention. 

Her son, George Mulei, a former actor known from the show Tahidi High, expressed his distress over the situation, stating that his mother had called him in a panic while being taken away by the officers.

According to reports, Grace was charged with causing a public disturbance during the Ministry of Health’s press briefing on January 15, where she and other patients voiced their frustrations regarding the new government medical cover. This cover has been criticized for its inadequacies and failure to meet patient needs months after its introduction.

Response from Authorities and Public Outcry

The DCI confirmed Grace’s arrest in a statement, indicating that she would remain in custody until her court appearance. However, this action has drawn widespread condemnation from various civil society groups, including the Kenya Medical Association and the Law Society of Kenya. These organizations have labeled her arrest as a violation of fundamental rights and an attack on civic engagement in healthcare advocacy.

In their joint statement, they emphasized that advocating for improved health services is not a crime but rather a civic duty. They called for immediate action to safeguard patients’ rights and ensure that healthcare access is free from intimidation or harassment. 

The groups also highlighted that every individual has the constitutional right to healthcare without fear of repercussions for voicing legitimate concerns about public services.

Kenyatta National Hospital’s Response

Following the uproar from the protests, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) issued an apology acknowledging delays in their systems related to SHA. The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Evanson Kamuri, assured the public that corrective measures had been implemented to address these issues promptly.

Read Also:

• Why You Should Opt for Private Medical Insurance Instead of SHIF: This article discusses the advantages of choosing private medical insurance over the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), highlighting the benefits of better coverage and service.

Conclusion

The arrest of Grace Mulei has sparked significant debate about patients’ rights and government accountability in Kenya’s healthcare system. As civil society continues to rally for her release and for broader systemic reforms within health services, this incident underscores the challenges faced by patients advocating for their rights in an often bureaucratic and unresponsive system.

The upcoming court proceedings will be closely monitored as they may set important precedents regarding freedom of expression and patient advocacy in Kenya.

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