The Ministry of Health has announced that it will waive all medical bills for victims injured during the recent anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi, offering relief to families grappling with the aftermath of the protest.
In a statement released on June 30, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed Kenyatta National Hospital to clear the treatment costs for all patients injured in the June 17 and 25 protests.
The expenses will be covered through the hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected, and we remain committed to ensuring they receive the care and support they need,” Duale said.
Among the bills to be waived is that of the late Boniface Kariuki, whose outstanding charges amounted to Ksh815,805 at the time of his death.
The demonstrations to commemorate those who died during the 2024 finance bill protests led to numerous injuries and heightened tensions across the capital.
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Human rights groups have condemned what they call excessive use of force by security agencies.
The Ministry extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and offered ongoing support to those still recovering.
The move comes amid growing public outcry for accountability and justice, as well as calls for greater government transparency in responding to citizen grievances.
Injuries and Deaths Protests Bills Cleared
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that eight people lost their lives during the nationwide protests held on June 25, 2025, which marked one year since the initial demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.
According to a statement from KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris, the deaths were reported across six counties. Machakos and Makueni each recorded two fatalities, while Nakuru, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, and Nyandarua reported one each.
The Commission also noted that over 400 individuals were injured during the protests. Among them were demonstrators, police officers, and journalists.
While many have since been treated and released, 83 were referred for further specialized medical care.
Authorities also detained 61 people at various police stations throughout the country, with the highest number of arrests taking place in Nairobi County.
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KNCHR also highlighted concerns about the protests being hijacked by criminal groups. The Commission cited reliable reports indicating that individuals believed to be “hired goons” infiltrated the protests in several towns including Nairobi, Eldoret, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Nyeri, and Kajiado.
These groups were reportedly responsible for incidents of violence, looting, and destruction of property.
Death of Boniface Kariuki
Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was shot at a close range by a police officer on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi’s CBD, has died.
The family spokesperson Emily Wanjira confirmed his demise stating that Kariuki passed on at 3.15pm.
“We will now have to get the total bill because we have been told he is no more,” she said.
This cones a day after the family, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, said doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) informed them that their son had been declared brain dead.
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