Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) recently organized a peaceful protest to demand the release of funds allocated for interns’ deployment and post-graduate fees, crucial for the progression of healthcare in Kenya. Unfortunately, repressive measures taken by Kenyan authorities against these health workers led to Dr. Davji Bhimji Attellah, the General Secretary of KMPDU, sustaining a severe head injury from a projectile, likely a teargas canister, necessitating his hospitalization.
According to a statement from the PSI General Secretary, Daniel Bertossa, the unprovoked attacks on doctors engaging in authorized and peaceful actions to support Kenya’s health system are deemed completely unacceptable. The violence directed towards the health workers striving to enhance healthcare for all is deplorable. The call for President William Ruto to issue a public statement addressing the situation and ensuring justice for the perpetrators has been made, as well as urging the Kenyan government to address the demands of KMPDU and other health unions for the prompt release of funds for securing medical interns’ placements.
Bertossa emphasized that an assault on a trade union leader is an assault on all trade unionists, urging PSI’s 740 affiliates across 160 countries to advocate for action from the Kenyan government. The solidarity with Dr. Davji and all healthcare workers in Kenya who are facing challenges due to their fight for rights was affirmed by PSI, promising to provide necessary support and monitor the situation closely.
In light of the incident, there is a growing demand for a thorough investigation to hold accountable those responsible for the aggression. PSI remains committed to monitoring the developments and expressing concerns directly to the Kenyan government and through its network of global affiliates. The focus remains on standing in unity with Dr. Davji and all healthcare workers in Kenya enduring hardships in their pursuit of justice and better healthcare practices for the nation.