Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha announced that all anti-government protest victims admitted to referral hospitals have been discharged without being asked to pay their bills.
Through her X account, CS Nakhumicha stated that 294 victims have received treatment, with the majority being discharged without any cost. “235 have been treated for various degrees of injuries and discharged, and none have been asked for payment. 58 are still admitted, with 1 in ICU and 3 awaiting surgery,” she wrote.
“235 have been treated for various degrees of injuries and discharged and none has been asked for payment. 58 are still admitted with 1 in ICU, 3 waiting for theatre,” she wrote.
Nakhumicha further acknowledged the ongoing funds drive which has seen members of the public contributing money to cater for those affected during the protests.
“My attention has been drawn to efforts by some individuals to raise funds from the public to pay hospital bills for persons injured during the demonstrations,” added Nakhumicha.
This follows a fund drive conducted through the online and mobile fundraising platform, M-Changa, initiated by prominent protest supporters, including activist Hanifa Adan. Hanifa started the fundraiser after the violent events at the #TotalShutdown protests on Tuesday, June 25, when police fired live bullets at protesters who had breached parliament.
The fundraiser, dubbed ‘Care For The Injured,’ quickly gained momentum, raising over Ksh.20 million in less than 20 hours. Hanifa has been active on her X account, providing frequent updates on the process of covering medical bills for admitted individuals and burial expenses, following specific instructions.
“What you do is text me on WhatsApp with the invoices, and the hospital bank account details. M-Changa only works with bank account details and also send the document stating the injuries,” said Hanifa in one of her updates.
“For burial, you just send me the postmortem and the burial permit. And for burial expenses, I only speak to the parents and family members. Mind you I verify and I am not the one with the money it is with M-Changa.”
She however cited that some Kenyans are taking advantage of the noble initiative and have been sending doctored documents to access free money, prompting the need for proof.
“Money is sent directly to the hospital if there is any con game involved with the hospital I will drag that hospital down myself wallah,” she said.
“I’m putting this out there, and I’m even warning, if any hospital tries to take advantage of this and forge invoices and documents, I will get very personal with your hospital I promise. Just try and if you do please don’t let me find out.”
National rights watchdog Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said that as of Monday a total of 39 people have been killed in anti-government demonstrations in Kenya.
It also said there had been 32 cases of “enforced or involuntary disappearances” and 627 arrests of protesters.
