The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has asked police officers to provide security ahead of their march today.
Through a letter addressed to Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei, the union’s Secretary General Davji Atellah asked police to protect them as they peacefully demonstrated within the country’s capital.
The defiant medics reiterated that the demonstrations are part of their continuous efforts to advocate for better healthcare for all Kenyans.
“We write to inform you of our intention to conduct a peaceful procession concerning the Doctors’ Nationwide strike to highlight the state of Healthcare in Kenya. The procession is scheduled to take place on 16th April 2024, commencing at 9 am.
“In light of the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, we kindly request your assistance in providing security during this event. Your cooperation and support in facilitating a peaceful and orderly precession would be greatly appreciated,” the letter read in parts.
The doctors are expected to convene at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) before proceeding to the Ministry of Health, then the Council of Governors and the Treasury.
“The route of the procession will be from the Kenyatta National Hospital – Ministry of Health- Council of Governors and subsequently the Treasury,” the letter added.
The latest comes barely days after the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said striking medics were a public nuisance due to their continuous demonstrations in towns.
The IG noted that he medics have been disrupting te flow of vehicles and movement of people. He added that the striking doctors were causing discomfort to patients in hospitals.
“The National Police Service takes cognizance of the ongoing doctor’s strike, with utmost concern. The Service has witnessed and received reports of the inconveniences arising from the strike, with medics lying on the streets thus obstructing highways, public roads and disrupting the free flow of vehicles and movement of people,” Koome stated.
“The medics have become a public nuisance, blowing whistles and vuvuzelas during the demonstrations thus causing discomfort to patients in hospitals and the general public.”
The IG subsequently directed police commanders to deal with the demonstrations decisively and under the law.
He also cautioned doctors to refrain from infringing on the rights of other citizens as they demonstrate.
“In the interest of national security, therefore, all respective police commanders have been instructed to deal with such situations firmly and decisively in accordance with the law. We wish to caution all doctors to refrain from infringing on the rights of others while demonstrating, and that their efforts to disrupt the smooth operations of hospitals will not be tolerated. We wish to assure the public that our Country is safe and that the National Police Service remains committed to maintaining law and order,” he added.
