'Dangerous precedent': Medics fault IG Koome over crackdown on striking doctors

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has strongly condemned the directive issued by Police Inspector General Japhet Koome, instructing police to take firm action against striking doctors allegedly disrupting public activities.

Koome on Sunday said the medics had become a public nuisance by using whistles and vuvuzelas during demonstrations, resulting in discomfort for patients and the general public.

In his response, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah voiced concerns stating that the directive undermines the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions, as guaranteed by Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution.

Atellah, described the statement by Koome as an affront to democratic values.

“The statement by the National Police Service, threatening doctors and clinical officers on strike, not only disregards their legitimate grievances but also sets a dangerous precedent of authoritarianism,” he said.

He emphasised that the union thoroughly follows proper channels to ensure peaceful demonstrations but are met with threats of force and intimidation.

“This directive essentially condones violence against Kenyan citizens exercising their fundamental rights,” he said.

He called for unequivocal condemnation of such actions, stressing the importance of upholding democratic principles in the country.

“It's deeply concerning that even after 60 years of independence, our government resorts to suppressing dissent rather than upholding democratic principles. This must be condemned unequivocally,” he said.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. He has said the medics had become a public nuisance by using whistles and vuvuzelas during demonstrations, resulting in discomfort for patients and the general public.(Photo: NPS)

On the other hand, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) who are also on strike with KMPDU rejected the call from the clergy, and various leaders to embrace dialogue and resume duty.

CBA negotiations

The union noted that the strike is an action of last result necessitated by employers, especially the county governments who are in contempt of a court order directing them to resume and conclude Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.

“It is the 47 County Governors and County Public Service Boards that are responsible for the current crisis. The County Governors have also turned down conciliation meetings called by Cabinet Secretary for Labour,” KUCO Secretary General Peterson Wachira said in a statement on Saturday.

He said the governors have also resulted in threats, victimisation, intimidations and other "unorthodox tactics" to arm-twist their members into submission.

“This can't work. Clinical officers and health workers can't be forced to work against their will. We have tremendous respect for our clergy. We appreciate their goodwill and are available to have a discussion regarding a resolution to the current crisis and long-term solutions. We wish to inform the Labour Cabinet Secretary that her officers who she designated to conciliate are as frustrated as we are,” he said.

According to the Union, the governors have refused to show up for conciliation meetings just as they did during the last time when a conciliation committee was put in place.

“Her calls should be directed to the governors who hold both court orders and conciliation process in contempt. We are ready and available for conciliation and have always presented ourselves wherever called upon,” he said.

Several counties, including Kilifi, Nyeri, Kakamega, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, and Kisumu, have issued a stern warning to striking doctors who will fail to return to work saying they shall not remit their salaries and will be dismissed.

Doctors have maintained not to succumb to threats and intimidations until the government fully complies with the 2017 Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA).