In a major relief to families affected by recent protests, the Ministry of Health has announced that all medical bills for victims injured during the June 17 and 25 demonstrations in Nairobi will be fully waived.
The announcement was made following a public outcry over the rising cost of treatment for victims, many of whom were caught in the chaos of police confrontations with protesters.
Among those affected was Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker who succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head after being injured during the June 17 protests.
His family had been appealing to Kenyans for help in clearing an outstanding hospital bill that the family said had rose to Millions but according to the government the bill stood at KSh 815,805, following his two-week battle in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
In a press statement released on Monday, the Ministry expressed sympathy to all victims and committed to easing their burden.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected. We remain committed to ensuring they receive the care and support they need,” read part of the statement.
The Cabinet Secretary of Health Aden Duale directed Kenyatta National Hospital to charge all medical expenses related to protest injuries to the hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund, offering a lifeline to families struggling to cope.
“This includes the outstanding bill of the late Mr. Boniface Kariuki,” the statement confirmed.
Boniface’s tragic death had drawn national attention, fueling calls for justice and sparking a broader conversation around police accountability and the cost of civic action in Kenya.
