Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union SG Davji Atellah has responded to Inspector General Japheth Koome's recent remarks on medical demonstrations.
Koome had issued a statement saying the medic demonstrations had become a public nuisance. He said the doctors were blowing whistles and vuvuzelas, which cause pain for patients in hospitals.
“The medics have become a public nuisance, blowing whistles and vuvuzelas during the demonstrations thus causing discomfort to patients in hospitals and general public,” a statement from the IG on Sunday read.
In his response, Atellah stressed that citizens had the constitutional right to congregate, demonstrate, and present petitions, as stated in Article 37 of the Constitution. He stated that any attempt to undermine democratic norms is unacceptable.
"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... We follow proper channels yet we are met with threats of force and intimidation."
According to Koome's statement, authorities have learned that non-medics are intending to join the demonstrations.
“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.”
Attelah stated that the policy practically condones violence against Kenyan residents who exercise their fundamental rights.
"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."
On Saturday, the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, informed the doctors that the State does not have Sh206,000 to give the intern doctors. Koskei stated that the doctors should accept Sh70,000 since the government cannot afford to pay intern doctors the Sh206,000 monthly salary they demand.
He stated that the government is functioning on a very tight budget due to the poor economic situation, which affects everyone in all sectors.