KMPDU Secretary General assault sparks outrage

KMPDU Sec. Gen. Dr. Atellah leading the medical interns in peaceful march. (Photo: X/KMPDU)

By Hanifa Adan
Friday, March 1, 2024

The doctors had gathered to voice their frustration over the delayed hiring of interns, a longstanding issue that has amplified tensions between healthcare workers and government authorities.

The Kenya Medical Association and the International Commission of Jurists have condemned the police assault on the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah on Thursday, February 29.

Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah was reportedly shot and injured by police during a protest outside the Ministry of Health.

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“The Kenya Medical Association vehemently condemns the recent act of police brutality against Dr Davji Bhimji, an unarmed Kenyan citizen who was advocating for the rights of doctors exhibited via peaceful legal demonstrations” the Kenya Medical Association statement reads.

Dr. Atellah was rushed to Nairobi Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

The doctors had gathered to voice their frustration over the delayed hiring of interns, a longstanding issue that has amplified tensions between healthcare workers and government authorities.

The International Commission of Jurists has also condemned the brutality, stressing that the right to health is a basic right that they must safeguard and defend.

“ICJ Kenya strongly condemns the use of unlawful force by the national police service and expresses deep concern over the violation of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution and international human rights instrument,” the statement emphasises.

The ICJ went on to explain that Kenya has historically had healthcare issues, including a shortage of medical doctors stating, “The peaceful protest by the KMPDU manifested the recognition of the dire need to address this shortage, particularly by emphasising the significance of medical interns in bridging the human resource gap within the health sector.”

They also urged the Independent Policing Oversight (IPOA) to take immediate action to investigate the incidents of excessive use of force.

“Law enforcement agencies must be trained in the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights to ensure the protection of citizens during assemble,” the statement from ICJ reads.

The statement went on to say that protesting is a fundamental right and that the use of disproportionate force by law enforcement is abhorrent and undermines the notion of a just and democratic society.

Dr. Atellah also issued a warning last week, stating that if over 1,000 medical interns were not employed, a nationwide strike would occur in March.

“By March 1st, all doctor interns must receive their internship letters, or else we will go to the Ministry of Health to collect them,” Dr.Atellah declared during a press conference on February 20.

The interns also protested on February 12th, with around 1300 interns awaiting posting.

Guidelines for internship posting require that medical students get placement a month after completing their studies but most students have not been posted for over nine months.