On Monday, June 30, 2025, the Ministry of Health captured the hearts of Kenyans after its
announcement that all medical bills for victims injured during the June 17 and June 25
Protests in Nairobi would be fully waived. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed
Kenyatta National Hospital to charge all treatment costs linked to the demonstrations to
The hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund.
Notably, the waiver included the outstanding bill of the late Boniface Kariuki, a mask
vendor who succumbed to a gunshot injury to the head sustained during the protests.
Kariuki’s hospital bill stood at Ksh 815,805. The ministry pledged continued support to
those still recovering from injuries sustained during the demonstration and extended
condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
This waiver has eased the burden on the families affected by the unrest, giving them a
sense of hope that the government cares for its citizens. The announcement, however,
sparked a wave of reactions across platforms. On X, many users expressed relief and
gratitude for the government’s gesture. “Waiving medical bills for protest Victims is a
step in the right direction. Families need support, not more suffering, “one user
tweeted.
However, others are still sceptical and criticise the move as insufficient without
accountability for the violence. A Facebook comment read, ” It’s good that Bill’s A waved
that, but what about justice for those shot and killed? We need reforms, not just
sympathy.
Some activists, after noticing the emotional toll the victims faced, are calling out for a
comprehensive support system, like mental health services and legal aid. One X user
posted, “Healing is more than medical bills. The government must address the root
cause of the unrest.”
While the waiver alleviates its immediate financial pressure on protest victims and their
families, many Kenyan citizens still ask themselves, will there be changes to prevent
future crises, or will history repeat itself once more? Kenyans on social media
emphasise the need for systemic change to prevent future violence and protect human rights.
The Ministry of Health’s move is a crucial first step, but the call for justice,
accountability and long-term support continue to resonate strongly across the nation’s
digital conversation, hoping that things get better as time heals the scars we collected
as we fought for justice and fairness
