Deborah Barasa and Grace Njoki
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has publicly apologized to Grace Njoki Mullei, the woman who interrupted her press conference on challenges facing the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, Barasa also denied any involvement in Njoki’s arrest.

The CS stressed that she had no connection to Njoki’s detention and expressed regret over the ordeal she endured.

"She might be watching TV right now, and I want to say sorry for what happened to her," Barasa said.

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She also used the opportunity to reaffirm the Ministry of Health’s commitment to serving the public.

"Our focus is on putting patients first because, as government officials, we are here to serve Kenyans. We have been entrusted with this responsibility, and we must listen to their concerns," she added.

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Barasa stressed that her ministry has an obligation to address citizens’ grievances.

"We must listen to the voices of the people and resolve the challenges they face," she stated.

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

"The ministry lodged the case, alleging that Njoki had trespassed and caused a disturbance," Kimtai told MPs.

Despite this, he assured Parliament that, in the interest of preserving the ministry’s image and maintaining public trust, the complaint would be withdrawn.

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

Njoki’s arrest sparked questions among legislators, with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah demanding to know who authorized the case and the exact offense Njoki had committed.

Njoki was among a group of patients who visited the Ministry of Health offices on January 15, 2025, protesting challenges affecting SHA.

She later barged into CS Barasa’s press conference, calling for urgent reforms in the health sector.

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

Her case has reignited debate over the effectiveness of SHA and how the government handles public complaints regarding healthcare access and sector governance.