Kenya just made a huge move for protest victims. The Ministry of Health announced they will pay all medical bills for people hurt during June demonstrations. Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed the government will cover every penny of treatment costs. Dozens got injured when peaceful protests turned into violent clashes across Nairobi. The decision affects everyone treated at Kenyatta National Hospital after getting hurt during the chaos.
The protests happened on June 17 and 25 this year. Angry citizens took to the streets to remember last year's anti-Finance Bill uprising. They wanted relief from sky-high food prices and fuel costs that keep crushing ordinary families. Young people and workers demanded the government stop mismanaging money and give them economic help. Violence broke out when police clashed with demonstrators throughout the capital city.
Several people died during the unrest and many more suffered serious injuries. Boniface Kariuki was among those who lost their lives in the violence. His family faced a massive hospital bill of 815,805 shillings that seemed impossible to pay. The Disaster Emergency Fund will cover his costs along with all other victims who need medical care. Property got destroyed and looters damaged police stations and roads during the mayhem.
Government officials blamed criminals for hijacking what started as peaceful demonstrations. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said troublemakers used the protests to destroy public property and hurt the economy. Rights groups fired back and accused security forces of using excessive force against citizens. Social justice advocates welcomed the bill waiver but want independent investigations into police behavior and money for grieving families.
The protests happened on June 17 and 25 this year. Angry citizens took to the streets to remember last year's anti-Finance Bill uprising. They wanted relief from sky-high food prices and fuel costs that keep crushing ordinary families. Young people and workers demanded the government stop mismanaging money and give them economic help. Violence broke out when police clashed with demonstrators throughout the capital city.
Several people died during the unrest and many more suffered serious injuries. Boniface Kariuki was among those who lost their lives in the violence. His family faced a massive hospital bill of 815,805 shillings that seemed impossible to pay. The Disaster Emergency Fund will cover his costs along with all other victims who need medical care. Property got destroyed and looters damaged police stations and roads during the mayhem.
Government officials blamed criminals for hijacking what started as peaceful demonstrations. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said troublemakers used the protests to destroy public property and hurt the economy. Rights groups fired back and accused security forces of using excessive force against citizens. Social justice advocates welcomed the bill waiver but want independent investigations into police behavior and money for grieving families.
