NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has announced a comprehensive waiver of medical bills for all individuals injured during the nationwide protests on June 17 and 25, 2025.
This decision, confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, comes amid growing public pressure regarding the state’s response to the recent unrest.
According to the Ministry’s directive, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has been instructed to cover all associated 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,” the statement read, adding, “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 follows the tragic death of Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who had been critically injured during the 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 somber news, stating they received a call from the hospital at 3:15 p.m. informing them of Kariuki’s passing.
Kariuki had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at KNH since June 17, having sustained a gunshot wound to the head, reportedly inflicted by a police officer during the demonstrations.
Doctors at KNH had performed two surgical procedures in an attempt to remove bullet fragments lodged in his brain. Despite these efforts, his condition deteriorated, and he never regained consciousness.
Kariuki’s father, Jonah Kariuki, had previously revealed the immense financial strain on the family, with a medical bill that had already exceeded Ksh 1 million.
The bereaved family continues to demand justice, calling for swift and decisive legal action against those responsible for the shooting.
They have passionately urged the judiciary to prosecute the officers involved, characterizing the incident as a senseless and criminal attack on a civilian.
