Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has condemned the attack on the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atella during a protest.
In a statement on Friday, March 1, Atwoli said that the attack by police officers was unwarranted, adding that Atella was leading a peaceful protest.
Medical practitioners held the protest against delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees for postgraduate students on Thursday, February 29.
Further, the COTU boss demanded that the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issues an apology on the attack immediately.
“We demand an unconditional and immediate apology from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government for the unprovoked attack on Dr. Davji Attella, a respected leader advocating for the rights and welfare of healthcare professionals in Kenya,” said Atwoli.
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Atwoli Issues Additional Ultimatums to Kindiki
At the same time, the COTU SG asked Kindiki to begin immediate investigations into the incident, calling for action against the police officers involved.
Also, Atwoli noted that Atella had proactively engaged with the Kenyan police to ensure the provision of security for the peaceful gathering, therefore the attack was uncalled for.
“Additionally, we call for a thorough investigation into this incident and urge that appropriate action be taken against the officer(s) responsible for this reprehensible act.”
“COTU (K) underscores the importance of respecting the rights of workers to assemble peacefully, express their concerns, and engage in lawful demonstrations without fear of undue aggression or harm. The actions of the Kenyan police undermine the fundamental principles that form the cornerstone of our democratic society,” added the statement.
According to Atwoli, the actions of the police violated the Kenyan constitution and contradicted the principals of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
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“The brutal actions taken by the Kenyan police against Dr. Davji Attella during a peaceful assembly are not only regrettable but also a flagrant violation of the spirit of the Kenyan Constitution, for which COTU (K) tirelessly fought to ensure the protection of workers’ rights under Articles 36, 37, and 41.
Such actions stand in direct contradiction to the principles enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which advocate for the freedom of association, collective bargaining, and protection against anti-union discrimination,” he added.
Atella Shot During Protest
News of the incident was shared by KMPDU on Thursday, February 29, in a statement, indicating that Atella had been shot by police officers during the protest.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the shooting of our SG Davji by the police this afternoon when he was leading the medical interns in peaceful March.
“The doctors of Kenya have endured enough! This is the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” the statement read in part.
Additionally, the West African Health Sector Unions Network (WAHSUN) called on the Kenyan government to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators responsible for the attack to justice.
Also, the union has also demanded for the release of the required funds for the deployment of the medical interns and the needed post-graduate fees.
“We find the action of his shooting as unnecessary brutal force exerted by the Kenyan authorities to suppress the expression of Trade Union rights through demonstrations, picketing and strikes,” read part of the statement.
