Police accused of blocking healthcare workers, emergency services

An armoured vehicle and red cross ambulances in Kitengela during Saba Saba protests. [Collins Oduor/Standard]

Doctors have accused the police of obstructing healthcare workers and targeting medical facilities during protests.

They want the Inspector General of Police to arrest and prosecute the officers involved.

According to the medics, blocking roads and obstructing health workers violates the Constitution and international humanitarian law, as it denies patients access to urgent medical care.

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), and the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) are demanding safety to facilitate the provision of medical services.

In a statement, KMA said the police have violated the law by erecting barricades, obstructing ambulances, and lobbing tear gas near health facilities.

"We are appalled by the obstruction of healthcare workers and attacks on health facilities," said KMA Secretary General Dr Diana Marion, "The National Police Service is not only violating the law, it is putting Kenyan lives at risk."

"We strongly condemn the repeated obstruction of healthcare workers and the targeting of medical facilities during the ongoing protests."

The doctors said the actions of the police during the June 25 and July 7 demonstrations breached Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

"Even in a state of emergency, medical neutrality must be respected. What is happening now is unjustified, illegal, and dangerous," she added.

A spot check by The Standard revealed police blocked ambulances ferrying patients, while many healthcare workers had to walk to work.

Some hospitals had to shut down in anticipation of violence.

KOGS warned of a maternal health crisis as mothers are unable to reach hospitals due to police barricades.

"We are staring at tragedy," said KOGS President Dr Kireki Omanwa. "Women cannot delay labour. Any delay or denial of emergency maternal care can mean death-both for the mother and her child."

RUPHA said some facilities received casualties, including gunshot victims, who were unable to receive timely surgical care due to delayed referrals.

"One patient from Maua, Meru, had a gunshot wound. He came from a Level 3 hospital that couldn't operate. Transport delays could have cost him his life," said RUPHA Chairman Dr Brian Lishenga.