The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) has clarified on reports that a medical doctor was among those killed in the anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a statement on July 2, the Secretary General (SG) of KMPDU Davji Atellah confirmed that no medical doctor was killed during the protests.
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“Over the past few days, our attention has been drawn to reports that a medical doctor was among those killed in last week’s peaceful protests. We would like to clarify that no doctor was killed during the protests,” the statement read.
Additionally, Davji clarified that Margaret was mistakenly identified as a medical doctor and was injured while buying drugs at Transchem Chemist in the CBD during the protests.
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“We have also reached out to a Miss Margaret Obuya who was mistakenly identified as a doctor. She was hit by a teargas canister while she was buying drugs at Transchem Chemist in the CBD during the protest,” he said.
Davji also revealed that Margaret had since been discharged from the Kenyatta National hospital where she was receiving treatment for her injuries.
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“She was admitted for emergency treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital for her injuries. Margret has since been discharged and is currently recuperating at home,” Davji said.
Also Read: Intrigues Behind KMPDU Closed-Door Meeting & Why Doctors Didn’t Call Off Strike
KMPDU Condemns Police Brutality During Protests
In addition to the clarification of the alleged medic, Davji emphasized that the -union condemns police brutality on unarmed protesters, including medical personnel, lawyers and journalists.
He also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)to investigate and hold accountable all officers found responsible.
Lastly, Davji emphasized that protests, and picketing are constitutional rights and that police should protect the protestors rather than cause harm.
“As a Union, we continue to condemn the illegal use of disproportionate force by the security officers on unarmed protestors, including medical personnel, lawyers and journalists and demand that IPOA investigate and prosecute all officers found culpable. Demonstrations, protests, and picketing are constitutional rights and must be protected,” he said.
Medics for Kenya Withdraw from Protests
Following the clarification by KMPDU, volunteer medical personnel, an association of doctors named Medics for Kenya has announced that they are stepping down from the anti – tax protests.
In a statement on July 2, the medics through their co-founders Dr Austin Omondi alias JaPrado and Dr Salim Ismael expressed regret in withdrawing their services during the protests citing the recent infiltration of alleged goons disguising themselves protestors.
“With the change in maandamano (protests) atmosphere and the deployment of goons, we as Medics for Kenya, highly value the lives of our volunteers. As we say in the corridors of hospitals, ‘Your Safety Comes First’. Therefore, it is with much regret and pain that we announce Medics for Kenya will withdraw their medical camp services all across the country,” the statement read.
Medics for Kenya further revealed that the decision was well thought up and discussed among various stakeholders, members of the committee and the volunteers.
Medics Communicate on Way Forward
However, the medics clarified that their communication lines will remain open as they will still be coordinating with various Emergency Response Services, Psychologists and Referral Hospitals.
“This decision has been well thought and discussed with various stakeholders, members of the committee and the volunteers. Our hotlines will, however, remain open and we shall be coordinating with various Emergency Response Services, Psychologists and Referral Hospitals,” read part of the statement.
The medics assured that they will be involved in various acts of service to the People of Kenya and championing for the rights of medics.
Lastly, the medics conveyed their appreciation to everyone who showed support including restaurants, religious institutions and the medical personnel who risked their lives during the protests.
“I would like to thank Crescent Hospital behind Jamia Mosque for their hospitality and services. Jamia Mosque, All Saints Cathedral and Holy Family Basilica have proven that there are no religious factions in humanity. Thank you. To Kilimanjaro, Al-Yusra, McFrys, Lunchboxke and Mugg and Bean, you fed us in plenty, and may God return it in plenty. We want to thank Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, St Johns Ambulance and Nairobi City Council for aiding us with their ambulances,” the statement read.
Also Read: KNCHR Releases New Report on Deaths in Anti-Govt Protests
Medics for Kenya
Medics for Kenya was formed as a volunteer group of doctors, nurses, clinical officers, psychologists, nutritionists, paramedics, interns and students countrywide during the #RejectFinanceBill protests that rocked the Nation the past 2 weeks.
Over this period, they helped hundreds of patients who were unfortunately injured in various ways.
Medics for Kenya also ran an efficient referral system that ensured critically injured patients receive lifesaving management at various hospitals all across the country.
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