Political strategist Rita Oyier has faced widespread criticism from Kenyans after publicly supporting the arrest of ‘SHA Lioness’ Grace Njoki Mulei. Mulei, a health activist, was detained after raising concerns about the inefficiencies of the State Health Insurance Fund (SHA) during a Ministry of Health briefing at Afya House. Oyier’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) defending the arrest have sparked outrage across the country.
In a series of tweets, Oyier appeared to justify Mulei’s detention, suggesting the activist was a public nuisance. “You cannot cause disturbance in a hospital. That’s simple common sense. Her rights do not supersede the rights of other patients,” she tweeted. However, critics quickly pointed out that Mulei’s actions occurred at Afya House, not in a hospital, as Oyier had erroneously claimed. Mulei interrupted a boardroom meeting led by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa to demand answers about SHA’s inefficiencies.
Popular lawyer Abu Iman criticized Oyier’s stance, noting, “It was a boardroom, not a hospital. She didn’t impede treatment or interfere with doctors. Don’t defend the indefensible.” Other Kenyans echoed these sentiments, questioning Oyier’s principles as a self-proclaimed advocate for women and Pan-African causes. Jemimah Kagendo argued, “How can you, as a ‘Women for Women’ supporter, endorse the arrest of a woman fighting for patients’ rights?”
The backlash highlights growing public frustration with the government’s handling of healthcare issues. Critics believe Mulei’s arrest was an attempt to silence dissent rather than address systemic problems. “Instead of receiving answers, her concerns were dismissed as threats,” one social media user wrote. “The police treated her like a security risk rather than focusing on the real issue—healthcare reform.”
Mulei, who was dramatically arrested at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh before being transferred to police custody, was released on a Ksh.10,000 bail this morning. According to her lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, authorities are still uncertain about the charges to file against her.
The incident has reignited debates over free speech and the government’s accountability. Many believe the Ministry of Health missed an opportunity to engage with an actual beneficiary of the SHA program. “Grace Njoki Mulei was advocating for better healthcare for all,” one critic stated. “Her arrest undermines the values of transparency and citizen engagement.”
As public outcry continues, Rita Oyier’s comments have further polarized opinions, leaving her reputation as an advocate for social justice in question.
