Medics for Kenya withdraws medical camps amid safety concerns during protests

Volunteer group Medics for Kenya has announced the withdrawal of their medical camp services nationwide, citing safety concerns.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the organisation revealed that the decision to suspend their services was made in light of changing circumstances during the ongoing demonstrations, including an altered atmosphere and reports of confrontations with unidentified rowdy individuals.

"As Medics for Kenya, the safety of our volunteers is our top priority. Given the evolving situation and concerns over our team's security, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw our medical camp services across the country," reads the statement.

However, the organisation pointed out that its communication channels will remain open, and it will continue to collaborate with emergency response services and referral hospitals to ensure continuity of care for patients in need.

Founded as a response to the #RejectFinanceBill protests that swept the nation over the past two weeks, Medics for Kenya has been instrumental in providing free healthcare to individuals injured during the demonstrations.

The group, comprising doctors, nurses, clinical officers, psychologists, nutritionists, paramedics, interns, and students, established efficient medical camps and a referral system to ensure critical cases received urgent treatment across various hospitals.

"We formed Medics for Kenya to respond to the urgent healthcare needs of those injured during the recent protests. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to provide immediate medical assistance and coordinate emergency referrals, which was made possible by the generous donations we received," reads the statement.

It further expressed gratitude towards various organisations and individuals who supported their efforts throughout their mission.

Medics attend to an injured protester at the Jamia Mosque in Nairobi on July 2, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor/EV)

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to Crescent Hospital behind Jamia Mosque for their unwavering support and hospitality. Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Jamia Mosque, All Saints Cathedral, and Holy Family Basilica for demonstrating unity in humanity during these challenging times," reads the statement further.

The group also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of donors and businesses that enabled them to operate effectively.

"To Kilimanjaro, Al-Yusra, McFrys, LunchboxKe, Mugg and Bean, and all our donors, your generosity sustained our operations and ensured we could deliver essential medical care to those in need. We are immensely thankful for your support," the statement read further.

Despite the suspension of their physical presence at medical camps, Medics for Kenya emphasised their ongoing commitment to serving the Kenyan community and advocating for the rights of healthcare professionals.

"This is not goodbye but a temporary pause in our direct medical services. We remain dedicated to serving the people of Kenya and will continue to engage in acts of service and advocacy," the spokesperson affirmed. "Our journey as Medics for Kenya continues, and we look forward to resuming our efforts in the near future," reads the statement.

The last two protests witnessed in Nairobi and across various parts of the country have witnessed goons destroying infrastructure and property, with some even looting business premises.

The protests, which initially started off as a push to have the government do away with the Finance Bill 2024, had seen thousands of youthful Kenyans take to the streets to protest.

The face of the protests has been changing with claims of infiltration by hired goons to disrupt, loot, and plunder.

Paramedics attend to an injured protester during demonstrations against Finance Bill 2024, in Nairobi on June 20, 2024. (Photo: Hafsa Hassan/EV)