Police directed to deal with striking doctors "disrupting public activities"
Police IG Koome said medics participating in the strike have become a public nuisance, using whistles and vuvuzelas during demonstrations.
The National Police Service has directed all respective police commanders to firmly deal with striking doctors allegedly disrupting people and activities on roads.
In a statement on Sunday, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said medics participating in the strike have become a public nuisance, using whistles and vuvuzelas during demonstrations.
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He noted that this has caused discomfort to patients in hospitals and the general public.
Additionally, he said they have witnessed and received reports of the inconveniences arising from the strike, with medics lying on the streets thus obstructing highways, and public roads and disrupting the free flow of vehicles and movement of people.
"In the interest of national security, therefore, all respective Police Commanders have been instructed to deal with such situations firmly and decisively in accordance with the law. We wish to caution all doctors to refrain from infringing on the rights of others while demonstrating, and that their efforts to disrupt smooth operations of hospitals will not be tolerated," Koome said.
Constitutionality
Despite constitutional provisions on the right to picket, petition, or demonstrate, Koome emphasised that the medics have continued their demonstrations without notifying the police which he said is contrary to the laws of Kenya.
Kenyan doctors chant as they march towards the health ministry headquarters protesting with placards to demand better pay and working conditions in the capital, Nairobi on April 9, 2024. (Photo: Simon Maina/ AFP)
He also noted that they have reports of non-medics planning to join the protests with intentions to cause havoc. This, he said, poses a threat to public safety and security.
"We wish to assure the public that our country is safe and that the National Police Service remains committed to maintaining law and order," Koome said.
The doctors' strike which is in its fourth week has intensified across the country resulting in patients seeking alternative ways to get treatment.
Despite dialogue calls from various leaders in the country, doctors have vowed not to go back to work until the 2017 collective bargaining agreement is implemented.
The medics have maintained that they will not bow down to intimidation and threats until all their demands are met.
On Monday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) will hold peaceful demonstrations at their North Rift Branch at Mediheal Hospital from 8:30 am.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leaders also threatened to join doctors in their ongoing demonstrations if the government did not move with speed to unlock the current stalemate.
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