The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called on all doctors to gather in Nairobi next week and wear a red armband in solidarity with Secretary General Davji Atellah, who was allegedly shot by police during protests.
KMPDU National Chairman denounced police conduct, announcing a looming countrywide mass action and hospital closures.
Dr. Abi Mwachi urged union members to lay down their tools and meet at Ufungamano House in Nairobi next week on a date to be announced to discuss the next steps .
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He emphasized that the move is essential in persuading the government to address the concerns highlighted by the doctors.
“In solidarity with our Secretary General, we call upon all doctors to assemble at Ufungmaano House in Nairobi next week on a date that will be communicated after our National Advisory Council deliberations to raise our unified voices against totalitarianism and violence,” stated the KMPDU Chairman.
“What this means expressly is that we expect a nationwide industrial action and closure of all hospitals – public and private. Furthermore, we urge doctors across the continent to show their support by wearing a red armband in a symbolic statement of solidarity from Monday.”
Dr. Davji Atellah was shot on Thursday afternoon while leading a peaceful protest in response to the delayed posting of medical interns and unpaid tuition for postgraduate students.
"We strongly denounce the police shooting of our SG @Davji this afternoon while he was leading the medical interns in a nonviolent march. Kenyan doctors have suffered long enough! The statement on X said, "This is the straw that breaks the camel's back."
Dr. Miskellah urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an investigation into the incident, adding that they will continue to demonstrate until their rights are served.
