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The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has condemned police brutality against Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Davji Atella.
Atella was injured on the head while leading a protest in Nairobi yesterday, over the delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees to postgraduate students.
According to KMA Chief Executive Officer Brenda Obondo, the KMPDU boss was unarmed and led a peaceful protest which did not warrant the police attack.
“We condemn the recent act of police brutality against Dr Davji, who was an unarmed Kenyan citizen advocating for the rights of our young doctors,” said Obondo.
She added: “Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies is unacceptable and the attack undermines the principles of a just and democratic society.”
Reiterating Obondo’s sentiments, KMA President Simon Kigondo demanded a probe into the incident, saying the Interior Ministry has 48 hours to respond.
“The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki should investigate who shot Davji. We would want that report within 48 hours and the people concerned arrested,” he said.
Further, the medics urged the Ministry of Health to resolve the matter of internship postings as it poses challenges in their sector.
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“We urge the Ministry of Health to resolve the issue for our young doctors and express great disappointment and concern that doctors are forced to picket to be posted as medical interns by the government,” said Obondo.
“This delay not only affects their career progression but significantly impacts the entire healthcare system.”
Several other medical organisations have since condemned Thursday’s attack.
Additional information by David Gichuru.
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