Kenya Medical Association condemns obstruction of healthcare workers during protests, calls for action

KMA Secretary General Dr Diana Marion. (Photo: KMA)

By Charity Kilei
Monday, July 7, 2025

KMA Secretary General Dr Diana Marion expressed concern over what the association describes as a disturbing trend of interference with healthcare services amid civil unrest.

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has condemned the repeated obstruction of healthcare workers and the targeting of medical facilities during recent national protests, including the Gen Z demonstrations of June 25 and the nationwide closures witnessed on July 7, 2025.

In a statement released on Monday, KMA Secretary General Dr Diana Marion expressed concern over what the association describes as a disturbing trend of interference with healthcare services amid civil unrest. The association emphasised that these actions not only endanger lives but also violate both domestic and international laws designed to protect access to medical care.

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“We strongly condemn the repeated obstruction of healthcare workers and the targeting of medical facilities during the ongoing protests,” said Dr Marion. “These violations undermine our Constitution, breach international humanitarian law, and ultimately cost Kenyan lives.”

KMA cited several specific violations observed over the past weeks. These include the widespread use of barricades on major roads, which has blocked healthcare personnel from accessing hospitals and prevented injured civilians from receiving emergency care.

The association also reported that during the June 25 protests, tear gas canisters were deliberately launched by security forces at emergency field hospitals—an act that endangered both patients and frontline medical responders.

According to KMA, the cumulative effect of these actions has been the preventable denial of urgent, life-saving care. This, they argue, is a direct violation of Article 43(1)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

It also breaches Kenya’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions and global medical ethics frameworks established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Medical Association (WMA), which mandate the protection of health personnel and infrastructure during unrest.

The association reiterated demands originally made in June 2024, calling for urgent and concrete measures. These include guaranteed, unimpeded access for healthcare workers at all times during protests; the active protection of medical facilities and personnel by security forces; and the safe and immediate passage of all injured individuals, including protesters, bystanders, and security personnel, to medical care.

KMA also called for the investigation and accountability of any security officers or individuals responsible for obstructing care or attacking medical sites. They urged the National Police Service and Inspector General to issue and enforce clear orders upholding medical neutrality and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients.

Additionally, KMA called on the ministries of interior and health to develop and enforce robust operational protocols to protect healthcare services during unrest, including logistical support for emergency care teams. Protest organisers were also urged to respect medical neutrality by avoiding interference with health workers and allowing safe passage for ambulances and patients.

“Healthcare is not a target. Medical neutrality is not optional. Access to care is a fundamental right. The repeated failure to uphold these principles during protests is causing preventable death and suffering. We demand action now. The sanctity of healthcare delivery must be respected unconditionally.”