‘She committed no offence known to law’- Kaluma calls for immediate release of Grace Mulei
By Valerian Khakayi, January 24, 2025
Homa Bay Town constituency Member of Parliament (MP) George Kaluma has demanded the immediate release of healthcare reform advocate Grace Njoki Mulei and called for all charges against her to be dropped.
According to Kaluma, Mulei did no offence when she and other protesters stormed the Ministry of Health boardroom in Nairobi as Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa was holding a press briefing on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
In a statement on Friday, January 24, 2025, the vocal legislature argued that Mulei stormed the CS’s office not her private residence, noting that public offices are held in the trust of the public.
“Public offices are held in trust from the public. It is her office she went to, not that of the CS. Release her immediately. Also, drop the intended charge. She committed no offence known to the law.
Apart from Kaluma, Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua also called for her immediate release terming the charge levelled against her as petty.
“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 charge
In a statement on Thursday night January 23, 2025, the DCI while Confirming her arrest, 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 arrested 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. Such actions are a violation of patients’ fundamental rights and a significant barrier to accessing essential healthcare.
“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 statement read.
The coalition further called for her immediate release and the charge dropped pointing out that she and other protesters where exercising their constitutional rights.
“Picketing and expressing views on public matters is a constitutional right. We urge the government and relevant authorities to immediately review this incident and drop all charges against Grace Njoki Mulei.
“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. We call for immediate action to address these violations, safeguard the rights of patients, and foster an environment where health services can be accessed freely and without fear,” the statement read.
