Police Chief’s Crackdown on Health Worker Protests Sparks Backlash » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 14 – Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome is facing criticism for his declaration that the street protests by health workers are illegal and should be met with tough police action.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Davji Atellah, asserted that medics have a constitutional right to picket while demanding their rights.
Atellah accused the police chief of undermining democracy and promoting authoritarianism by threatening to break up demonstrations by medics who are demanding better pay and the hiring of intern doctors.
He emphasized that such directives condone violence against citizens exercising their fundamental rights.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) also condemned the Inspector General’s remarks, demanding a retraction.
According to the commission, the IG lacks the constitutional authority to limit a strike notice by medics or any other group.
They emphasized that the IG would be held liable for any harm caused by the police to the striking doctors.
KHRC further demanded an apology for the violent attack by police on Davji Atellah in February, emphasizing the need for the IG to retract the directive and apologize publicly by a specified time.
In response, IG Japhet Koome defended his position, stating that the medics had become disruptive during protests, causing discomfort to patients and the public.
He directed police commanders to apply the law strictly to ensure compliance, cautioning doctors against infringing on the rights of others.
KMPDU reiterated that medics have always conducted peaceful protests through proper channels, despite facing threats and intimidation.
Atellah expressed concern over the government’s suppression of dissent, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and denouncing Koome’s statements.
The ongoing strike, now in its fourth week, has significantly disrupted public healthcare services, with patients forced to seek expensive alternatives as doctors persist in their demands for a resolution to their grievances.
About The Author
