Who Ordered Grace Njoki’s Arrest? Uncertainty Follows CS Barasa’s Apology

Deborah Barasa has issued a public apology to Grace Njoki Mullei, the woman who disrupted her press conference on challenges within the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, Barasa distanced herself from Njoki’s arrest, emphasizing that she had no role in the matter and regretted the ordeal Njoki faced.

“If she is watching right now, I want to sincerely apologize for what happened,” Barasa stated.

She also reiterated the Ministry of Health’s dedication to prioritizing the needs of Kenyans.

“Our responsibility is to serve the public, and we must always listen to their concerns,” she affirmed.

However, during a parliamentary session in Naivasha on January 30, 2025, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai admitted that the Ministry of Health (MoH) had filed a complaint against Njoki.

“The ministry reported the matter, alleging that Njoki had trespassed and caused a disturbance,” Kimtai told MPs.

Despite this, he assured Parliament that, to protect the ministry’s reputation and maintain public trust, the complaint would be withdrawn.

Earlier, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had stated that Njoki was arrested for causing a disturbance at the Ministry of Health Boardroom in Afya House.

Njoki’s arrest raised concerns among lawmakers, with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah questioning who authorized the case and the specific offense she had committed.

Njoki was part of a group of patients who visited the Ministry of Health offices on January 15, 2025, to protest issues affecting SHA. She later interrupted CS Barasa’s press briefing, demanding urgent reforms in the healthcare sector.

Following the incident, Njoki was arrested and released on police bail of KSh 10,000.

Her case has reignited debate on SHA’s effectiveness and the government’s handling of public grievances regarding healthcare access and governance.