NAIROBI, Kenya- The arrest of Grace Njoki, one of two women who interrupted Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa’s press briefing last week, has ignited a social media storm, with critics labeling it an assault on free expression.
Njoki’s bold demand for action on the stalled Social Health Authority (SHA) may have made headlines, but her detainment has shifted the focus to the government’s handling of dissent.
Patients from KNH storm Health CS Deborah Barasa’s media briefing at Afya House protesting the failure of SHA system
Njoki was arrested Thursday at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh, where she was seeking medical attention for a knee condition.
Her son, George Mulei, described the incident as an abduction. “She called me, panicked, saying, ‘They’ve come for me.’ By the time I got to the hospital, she was already gone,” he told reporters.
Look at how Ruto’s regime treats a sick 61-year old lady. They dragged her out of the hospital she was applying to get knee surgery from. Her only mistake was speaking out against SHIF/SHA. Mkichoka mniambie. #FreeGraceNjoki #EndAbductionsKE
Police held Njoki at Capitol Hill Police Station, accusing her of creating a disturbance and resisting arrest.
Her lawyer, Johnston Daniel Junior, alleged that she was denied bail and coerced into writing statements under duress.
“She’s a concerned citizen advocating for universal health coverage, not a criminal. Sending 15 officers to arrest her? That’s excessive,” Daniel said.
Njoki’s arrest has sparked outrage across social media, with activists, lawyers, and concerned citizens rallying behind her.
The hashtag #FreeGraceNjoki has gained momentum, with users condemning what they perceive as an attempt to stifle dissent.
Njoki was protesting the delayed implementation of the Social Health Authority, a program designed to provide universal health coverage.
Her supporters argue that her activism reflects growing public frustration with healthcare challenges in Kenya.
Njoki’s actions were simple: holding the government accountable for promises made. But her lawyer insists her treatment raises larger concerns about the state of democratic rights in Kenya.
Free Grace Njoki Mulei. Stop abductions. #EndAbductionsKE #EndAbductionsNow #FreeGraceMulei #FreeGraceMuleiNow #FreeGraceNjoki
“She exercised her constitutional right to peaceful protest. This response by the authorities is deeply troubling,” Daniel stated.
The uproar underscores mounting tensions between citizens and government over healthcare reform, with Njoki now symbolizing the struggle for accountability.
While she faces charges in court, her arrest has unintentionally amplified her message—raising the stakes in the fight for accessible, affordable healthcare.
