Doctors demand protection after Kitengela hospital attack during Saba Saba
By Nancy Marende, July 8, 2025Doctors have condemned the attack on Kitengela Sub-County Hospital during the 35th commemoration of Saba Saba Day, which was marred by chaotic protests on Monday, July 7, 2025.
This is after armed goons interrupted an ongoing C-section and vandalised the theatre as well as lit a fire at the hospital gate.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) condemned the unlawful invasion of Kitengela Hospital by armed goons and elements of the police during the ongoing Saba Saba demonstrations.
“Of particular concern is the terrifying disruption of the hospital’s operating theatre while a mother was undergoing a caesarean section—a moment that should be safeguarded by the highest standard of medical protection and dignity,” the statement read.
KOGS stated that the attack is a violation of a critical healthcare facility, and an attack on an institution of healing and safety is both reckless and inhumane.
“The lives of both mother and child were put in imminent danger, and the hospital staff were traumatised and impeded from performing their duties. This action constitutes a grave breach of medical ethics, patient rights, and human decency,” the doctors decried.
Other concerns
Furthermore, the Society has urged the government to respect medical institutions, stating that healthcare workers are not political actors.
“We call upon both the Government of Kenya and the National Police Service to unequivocally respect the sanctity of medical institutions and to ensure that hospitals remain protected zones, even during times of civil unrest. Healthcare providers are not political actors; they are guardians of life.”
The Society also highlighted the unjust access barriers for pregnant women, mothers, and children due to the unilateral, heavy-handed response by security forces to the Saba Saba protests.
“Roadblocks, arbitrary curfews, tear gas, and violent crackdowns have restricted movement, making it nearly impossible for many women in labour and critically ill children to access timely healthcare,” read the statement.
“These restrictions infringe upon Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every person the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including reproductive healthcare,” they said.
Additionally, KOGS has urged the public, political leaders, and security agencies that no political objective can justify the endangerment of life-saving medical services.
“We urge restraint, dialogue, and the immediate restoration of safe access to healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of the prevailing political situation. Let this be a turning point for the respect of health workers and for the preservation of medical care, “the statement added.