Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) recently took to the streets in a peaceful protest to demand the release of funds allocated for the deployment of interns and payment of post-graduate fees. These funds are crucial for the future of healthcare in Kenya. Unfortunately, the protest took a violent turn when Kenyan authorities clashed with the health workers, resulting in the KMPDU General Secretary Dr. Davji Bhimji Attellah sustaining a severe head wound from what appears to be a teargas canister. Dr. Attellah was promptly rushed to the hospital for treatment.
In response to the repressive actions taken against the health workers, PSI General Secretary Daniel Bertossa condemned the violent attacks on the doctors participating in peaceful and authorized actions to improve Kenya’s health system. Such acts of violence against those striving for better healthcare for all citizens are deemed unacceptable. PSI urges President William Ruto to issue a public statement addressing the incident and vowing to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. Furthermore, they call on the Kenyan government to heed the demands of the KMPDU and other health unions by releasing the necessary funds to ensure the placement of medical interns.
The assault on a trade union leader, Dr. Davji Bhimji Attellah, is viewed as an attack on all trade unionists by PSI. The organization pledges to support Dr. Attellah and the KMPDU during this challenging time and calls on trade unions globally to stand together in demanding justice from the Kenyan government. PSI emphasizes the importance of a swift recovery for Dr. Attellah and extends their support to his family and all members of the KMPDU.
As the situation unfolds, PSI remains vigilant in monitoring developments and will continue to advocate for justice through direct engagement with the Kenyan government and their international affiliates. The organization stands in solidarity with Dr. Attellah and all healthcare workers in Kenya facing adversity while advocating for their rights. An immediate, thorough investigation is demanded to ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice, holding them accountable for their actions against the peaceful protesters advocating for a better healthcare system in Kenya.