The Ministry of Health has directed the Kenyatta National Hospital to waive medical bills for victims of recent anti-government protests in Nairobi, including that of hawker Boniface Kariuki, who died in hospital on Monday.

The Ministry of Health has announced it will waive all medical bills for those injured during the anti-government protests held in Nairobi on June 17 and June 25, in a move aimed at easing the burden on affected families.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the directive covers all patients injured in the demonstrations and admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
“I have directed the management of Kenyatta National Hospital to waive all medical bills for patients injured during the protests and charge them to the hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund,” he said.

The waiver also applies to the outstanding hospital bill of Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker who died on Monday at KNH after earlier being declared brain dead by doctors.

Kariuki had been shot in the head by police during the June 17 protests and spent more than two weeks in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.

According to the Ministry, Kariuki's final hospital bill was Sh815,805 at the time of his demise. However, his family, speaking outside KNH, said they had been appealing to Kenyans for help with a much higher amount.
“On Saturday, the hospital bill was Sh3.5 million. We do not know how much we owe the hospital as of now,” a family representative said, adding that they had not received any communication or assistance from government officials.

Two police officers captured on video during the shooting incident—Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono—were arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on June 18 and detained at Capitol Hill Police Station.

They have been in custody since June 19 for a 15-day period as investigations continue.

The officers are likely to face murder charges, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) leading the probe.

Goinf further, The Ministry of Health also expressed sympathy for affected families.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected, and we remain committed to ensuring they receive the care and support they need,” said Duale.

The June 17 and June 25 protests were part of a wave of unrest following the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang. The demonstrations, which drew large crowds across several counties, were marked by a heavy police response.

On June 27, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released a preliminary report on the June 25 protests, revealing widespread human rights violations.

The commission reported at least 19 deaths, 531 injuries, and 15 forced disappearances linked to the protests. It also documented 179 arrests and several cases of sexual violence — including two cases of rape, two gang rapes, and one attempted gang rape.

"The commission strongly condemns all human rights violations and calls for accountability from all responsible parties," read part of the KNCHR statement.

The commission extended condolences to families of those who lost their lives and wished a quick recovery to those who were injured.