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The Kenyan government has officially waived the KSh 815,805 medical bill incurred by the late Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old vendor who was shot during the June 17 Gen Z-led protests in Nairobi. Kariuki, who sold face masks in the city’s Central Business District, became a tragic symbol of the cost of police brutality after he succumbed to his injuries on June 30.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, under instructions from the Ministry of Health, directed Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to absorb the entire cost of Kariuki’s treatment under the hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund. The directive applies not only to Kariuki but also to all protest victims treated at KNH during the nationwide demonstrations.
“This decision reflects the government’s commitment to standing with affected families during this difficult time. No Kenyan should have to worry about hospital bills when they are already grappling with loss and trauma,” said Nakhumicha in an official statement.
Boniface Kariuki had been admitted in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head on June 17. He was placed in intensive care and underwent multiple surgeries. Despite the efforts by medical teams, Kariuki passed away nearly two weeks later. His family, already dealing with the pain of watching their son suffer, had appealed to the public and government for financial assistance as the hospital bill ballooned past KSh 1 million.
Public outrage over Kariuki’s condition, amplified by human rights groups and protest organizers, placed immense pressure on the government to act. His death, along with others during the demonstrations, has become a rallying point for calls demanding police accountability and justice for victims of state violence.
According to the Ministry of Health, all protest-related treatment costs—including ICU stays, surgical procedures, and follow-up care—will now be covered directly by KNH, with no further financial burden placed on affected families.
For Kariuki’s family, the waiver comes as a small relief amid immense grief. “We are grateful for the support and the love Kenyans have shown. While nothing can bring Boniface back, at least we now have one less burden to carry,” said a relative.
The move has been welcomed by civil society organizations, who say it must be followed by thorough investigations and prosecution of those responsible for excessive force during the protests.
As the nation prepares for the Saba Saba commemorations, where further demonstrations are expected, the case of Boniface Kariuki remains a painful reminder of the human cost of civic unrest—and a call for reforms in law enforcement and emergency response.
