WRITTEN BY ON APRIL 15, 2024

National Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer at Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU), Davji Bhimji Atella condems General Police Japhet Koome’s statement issued on Sunday 14th April censuring the ongoing doctors’ strike.

This is after Koome stated that the medics strike was unlawful since they were distracting patients in hospitals and obstructing highways, free flow of motor vehicles and people, calling police commanders to take actions on the situation.

Davji on his X account, Koome’s sentiments refrained the medics from their constitutional rights to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions as stated in article 37 of the constitution. “The statement by the National Police Service threatens doctors and clinical officers on strike not only disregards their legitimate grievances but also sets a dangerous precedent of authoritarianism. This directive condones violence against Kenyan citizens exercising their fundamental rights.” He wrote.

According to him, the medics followed the protocols and the rules of peaceful demonstration as way of airing their grievances. “KMPDU meticulously follows proper channels to ensure peaceful demonstrations, yet we are met with threats of force and intimidation.” He added.

In addressing the same, Psychiatrist and Labour Practitioner Chibanzi Mwachonda addressed in his X account that the government has failed to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the KMPDU and other health sector unions as per the Kenyan Labour Relations Act, 2007.” The government has failed to implement the CBA, the union sought measures in the employment and labour relations court which pronounced itself in favor of the workers, however this has been met with impunity.” He stated.

The KMPDU strike has however marked its fourth week nationwide since it commenced.

Written by: Mapenzi Kitsao.