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[QUOTE="Shamiso, post: 84173, member: 160"]
Protesters slam a senator for threatening HIV treatment money. Civil society groups are demonstrating against Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah's court case, aiming to block a major health funding deal with the United States. The National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya organized rallies, arguing that the move jeopardizes care for over 1.4 million citizens.

Hundreds marched in Nairobi from Jeevanjee Gardens toward the Supreme Court and National Assembly with petitions. They could not submit them as the institutions were closed. Demonstrators pledged to expand actions nationwide, starting in Omtatah's home county of Busia, a region heavily impacted by HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

The contested bilateral framework provides significant support for treating and preventing these diseases. It aims to strengthen Kenya's health system through community units and worker training. Protest leader Edith Nyambura stated lives depend on this continued assistance for antiretroviral drugs and other critical supplies.

NEPHAK director Nelson Otuoma, part of the negotiation team, defended the agreement's human rights foundation. He countered claims that the funding model risks personal data security. The groups warned that stopping the money would reverse major progress, including a large reduction in new HIV infections and high tuberculosis treatment success rates.
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