Susan Nakhumicha: Health CS Claims Protesters Were Treated For Free

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has claimed that protesters injured during the anti-Finance Bill protests have been treated for free at government hospitals.

In a statement on X, the CS said that 58 people were still admitted.

“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,”

“Out of the total 294 casualties attended to in our Referral Hospitals, 235 have been treated for various degrees of injuries and discharged and non has been asked for payment. 58 are still admitted with 1 in ICU, and 3 waiting for theatre. We wish them a quick recovery.” The CS said.

Her statement has caused outrage on social media with many accusing her incompetence.

According to human rights activists, they have mobilised funds on several social media platforms.

They have raised over KSh 30 million to cater for the funeral and medical expenses of victims.

Hanifa Adan, an activist said on several occasions they had to pay for medical bills for victims.

“We’ve been paying for Moi referral hospital, We’re paying for Embu level 5 and other public hospitals as well. Even people in Mbagathi, we visited them and we are waiting for the invoices. I’m repeating, do not play politics with people’s lives,” Hanifa said.

Medics for Kenya has announced the withdrawal of their medical camp services nationwide, due to safety concerns.

The volunteer group said that the decision to suspend their services was made in light of changing circumstances during the ongoing demonstrations.