NAIROBI, Kenya
The Ministry of Health has announced a complete waiver of medical bills for those injured during the nationwide protests on June 17 and 25, 2025.
A protester jumps for safety as she emerges from a narrow alley while Kenya police officers strike her with whips and clubs during clashes in downtown Nairobi on June 25, 2025 during a planned day of protest marking the first anniversary of the storming of the parliament.
The decision, made amid mounting public pressure on the state's response to the unrest, was confirmed in a statement issued Monday by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
According to the statement, the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has been directed to cover all treatment costs through its Disaster Emergency Fund.
“This includes the outstanding bill of the late Mr. Boniface Kariuki, which stood at KSh 815,805 at the time of his passing,” read the statement.
“We offer our deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones and extend our support to all those still recovering.”
The Ministry's directive comes after the death of Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was critically injured during anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi.
He succumbed to his injuries on Monday, a day after doctors at KNH declared him brain dead.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira confirmed the news, stating that they received a call from the hospital at 3:15 p.m. informing them of Kariuki's death.
He had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head, reportedly inflicted by a police officer during the demonstrations.
Doctors at KNH had attempted two surgical procedures to remove bullet fragments lodged in his brain.
Despite their efforts, his condition deteriorated, and he never regained consciousness.
Kariuki's father, Jonah Kariuki, previously revealed that the family had been overwhelmed by a medical bill that had exceeded Ksh.1 million.
The family is demanding justice, calling for swift legal action against those responsible for the shooting.
They have urged the judiciary to prosecute the officers involved, describing the incident as a senseless and criminal attack on a civilian.
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