🇰🇪 Government Waives Medical Bills for Protest Victims as Public Outcry Grows Over Police Shooting

Nairobi, Kenya – In a dramatic response to mounting national outrage, the Kenyan government on Monday announced a full waiver of medical bills for all individuals injured during the recent June 17 and 25 nationwide protests. The move comes amid intensifying scrutiny over police brutality, particularly in the case of Boniface Kariuki, the face-mask vendor fatally shot by police.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) will utilize its Disaster Emergency Fund to clear all pending hospital fees. Among them is the KSh 815,805 bill for the late Kariuki, who was shot in the head and later pronounced brain dead — a tragedy that has become a national flashpoint.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale offered his condolences to grieving families, pledging government support to the injured. “We recognize the pain and trauma endured by victims and their families. The government will ensure that financial burdens do not add to their suffering,” he said.

Kariuki’s family, whose total expenses exceeded KSh 1 million, welcomed the announcement but reiterated their demand for justice and accountability. “While we are relieved that the bill is lifted, our pain remains,” a family spokesperson said. “We want to see the officer who killed Boniface held responsible.”

Civil society groups and human rights watchdogs continue to call for an independent investigation into the killings, while public protests over police conduct remain ongoing.

The government’s decision signals a rare policy concession, reflecting the growing power of public pressure in shaping Kenya’s response to state violence and systemic injustice.