Kenyan Health Rights Activist Arrested For Protesting Social Health Authority Challenges

     By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

In a controversial turn of events, Grace Njoki Mulei, a 61-year-old health rights activist and patient, was arrested on Thursday evening, for staging a protest at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi.

Mulei, who has been a vocal advocate for accessible healthcare, was demonstrating against challenges within the Social Health Authority that she claims are failing millions of Kenyans.

Her arrest has sparked outrage among civil society groups, including the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

These organisations have condemned the police action, terming it a violation of her constitutional right to peaceful protest.

“We cannot remain silent while a citizen is criminalised for seeking accountability from public institutions.

“The arrest of Grace Njoki Mulei is a gross injustice,” said Dr. Elizabeth Mwangi, chairperson of the KMA, during a press briefing.

Mulei had reportedly been advocating for improved healthcare services, highlighting the challenges faced by low-income citizens in accessing medical care under the Social Health Authority.

Her protest is the latest in a series of public criticisms aimed at the government’s handling of healthcare reforms.

The arrest comes at a time when Kenya’s healthcare system is under scrutiny, with many citizens lamenting the high costs of medical services and inconsistent delivery of care.

Critics argue that the Social Health Authority has not fulfilled its mandate to ensure universal healthcare coverage, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.

The activist is currently in police custody as advocacy groups call for her immediate release.

The LSK has threatened to file a lawsuit against the government for what they describe as “a breach of constitutional freedoms.”

“We demand the release of Grace Njoki Mulei and a thorough investigation into the grievances she has raised.

Silencing dissent will not solve the systemic issues in our healthcare system,” said LSK President Peter Kinuthia.

The Ministry of Health has yet to issue a statement regarding the protest or the arrest.

However, the incident has reignited national discourse on the need for comprehensive healthcare reforms.

As the legal and public pressure mounts, this case is poised to become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to upholding democratic freedoms and addressing healthcare inequalities in the country.