The government has waived Boniface Kariuki’s hospital bill running to Sh815,805 at the time of his demise at 3.15 pm on Monday, June 30.

This comes after health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to waive the bills accrued by patients who were victims of protests on June 17 and 25.

“I have directed the management of Kenyatta National Hospital to waive all medical bills for patients injured during the protests and charge them to the hospital’s Disaster Emergency Fund,” said Duale in a statement, adding, “This includes the outstanding bill of the late Mr. Boniface Kariuki, which stood at KSh 815,805 at the time of his passing.”

According to Duale, the decision to do away with the costs is part of the government's support for the families of the victims.

“We offer our deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones and extend our support to all those still recovering,” he said.

22-year-old Kariuki, who has been in critical condition since Tuesday, June 17, when he was shot by a police officer at close range, was declared brain dead yesterday.

Speaking to the press after the loss of their kin, Kariuki’s family lamented over police brutality and government’s continued silence of a huge bill which they claimed to be Sh3.6 million.

“We want to know what the government has to say. We want to hear from them. Why are they silent? We need interventions, and we need to know if we are the people who are supposed to clear the bill. We are seeking intervention and justice for Boniface Kariuki,” said Emily Wanjira, the family spokesperson.

KNH confirmed receiving 16 victims following the June 17 protests in Nairobi. 9 had been treated and discharged while 7 were admitted pending surgery operations a day after the protest.

The hospital has however not released the official victims count for the Wednesday protest.