The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists & Dentists Union (KMPDU) has condemned the recent directive issued by the National Police Service over striking doctors, describing it as a threat to democratic principles.
In a statement by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atella, the union expressed deep concern over the National Police Service’s stance towards doctors and clinical officers’ strike.
The directive, by IG Koome to have police commanders deal with the protesting medics has been denounced by KMPDU as an affront to the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions, as enshrined in Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution.
“Undermining the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions is an affront to our democratic values,”
“This directive essentially condones violence against Kenyan citizens exercising their fundamental rights,” stated Davji Atella.
Doctors Union Response to NPS
KMPDU pointed out that the union meticulously follows proper channels to ensure peaceful demonstrations.
“We meticulously follow proper channels to ensure peaceful demonstrations, yet we are met with threats of force and intimidation,” he stated.
“The statement by the National Police Service, threatening doctors and clinical officers on strike, not only disregards their legitimate grievances but also sets a dangerous precedent of authoritarianism.”
The statement by KMPDU comes amidst escalating tensions between the government and medical professionals over the ongoing strike, which seeks better working conditions and higher wages for healthcare workers.
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The strike has resulted in disruptions to healthcare services, leaving hospitals understaffed and patients without access to adequate medical care.
National Police Service Response
In response to the ongoing strike by doctors and clinical officers demanding better working conditions and higher wages, the National Police Service announced a firm stance to address the disruptions caused by the protests.
The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Japhet Koome, issued a statement expressing concern over the inconveniences arising from the strike.
“Reports have indicated that medics have been obstructing highways and public roads, disrupting the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
“Furthermore, medics have been described as causing discomfort to patients in hospitals and the general public by blowing whistles and vuvuzelas during demonstrations,” read the police statement in part.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), comprising over 7,000 members, initiated a strike on March 15 to address several key issues.
Also Read: Kindiki Declares Doctors Strike Illegal, Gives Fresh Directive to Police
Their demands include the payment of salary arrears and the urgent recruitment of trainee doctors, among other grievances.
This recent strike follows a pattern of labor action by the KMPDU, including a notable walkout in 2017 that lasted for three months.
Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some doctors in individual hospitals opted to down tools at various points due to concerns over the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other grievances.
