Kenya Medical Association condemns attacks on health workers amid protests
By Faith Lagat, July 7, 2025The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has strongly condemned the obstruction of healthcare workers and targeting of medical facilities during recent national protests, including the Gen Z-led demonstrations on June 25 and the countrywide disruptions on July 7, 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 7, 2025, KMA described these violations as a threat to both healthcare providers and patients, warning that they undermine Kenya’s constitutional guarantees, international humanitarian law, and the sanctity of medical neutrality.
“Healthcare is not a target. Stop attacks on medical personnel and facilities—protect the right to health for all Kenyans,” the association posted on X, calling for immediate action to protect medical personnel and ensure uninterrupted healthcare access during civil unrest.
Medical neutrality under threat
KMA highlighted disturbing incidents during the June and July protests, including systematic road blockades that prevented doctors and nurses from reaching hospitals and emergency sites. On June 25, emergency field hospitals were targeted with tear gas by security forces, putting the lives of patients and medics at risk.
These actions, KMA said, violate Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health. As a signatory to the Geneva Conventions, Kenya is also bound to uphold medical neutrality—a principle echoed in the Kenya Health Act (2017) and WHO guidelines.
The association warned that these violations have led to preventable deaths and denied many citizens urgent medical care.
KMA issues tough demands
KMA’s latest appeal echoes demands first made in their June 25 statement, which remain largely unaddressed. The association wants:
Guaranteed 24/7 access for healthcare workers to reach hospitals and emergency scenes, Full protection of all medical facilities, transports, and personnel from violence, including a halt on tear gas, water cannons, or projectiles near medical zones, and safe passage for all injured individuals—whether protesters, bystanders, or police—to receive medical help.
The association also called for investigations into those responsible for obstructing healthcare access or attacking medics. “Those endangering health workers must be held accountable,” read part of the statement.
Appeal to police, state, and protesters
KMA directed specific appeals to the National Police Service and Inspector General, demanding they issue clear public orders to uphold medical neutrality and protect health workers.
To the Ministries of Interior and Health, KMA urged the creation of emergency protocols that protect health personnel and ensure logistical support for their work during protests.
They also appealed to protest organisers and participants to respect the critical role of healthcare providers, not block access routes, and refrain from using ambulances or hospitals as shields.
Diana Marion, KMA’s Secretary General, reiterated that access to care is a non-negotiable human right.
“The failure to uphold medical neutrality is not just a legal issue—it’s a moral one,” she said.