Medics for Kenya has announced that they will no longer be providing services to injured protesters during demos because the moment has been infiltrated by goons.
The group, comprised of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), had joined the protests to deal with medical crises.
The volunteer group of physicians, nurses, clinical officers, psychologists, dietitians, paramedics, interns, and students had established medical camps in Nairobi and other places to transport injured demonstrators for emergency care.
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Ambulances were also on standby to respond to people who needed referral treatment.
Medics for Kenya has indicated that they would withdraw their assistance during protests due to the recent violence.
“With the change in maandamano atmosphere and the deployment of goons, we as Medics For Kenya, highly value the lives of our volunteers. As we say in the corridors of hospitals, 'Your Safety Comes First'. Therefore, it is with much regret and pain that we announce MedicsForKenya will withdraw their medical camp services all across the country,” the body said in a statement on Tuesday.
My colleagues @MedicsForKenya will no longer offer free first responder services during the Gen Z protests due to safety concerns. ‘Our Safety Comes First’.
— Dr. Mercy Korir (@DrMercyKorir) July 3, 2024
They’ve done an excellent job in saving lives. Kudos @Dr_AustinOmondi, @salimishmael_ and all volunteers 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/lXHMPdFNji
Dr. Austin Omondi, the organization's co-founder, stated that its hotlines will stay available, and services will be coordinated between emergency response providers and hospitals.
In Nairobi, medical camps were set up in Jamia Mosque, All Saints Cathedral, and Holy Family Basilica.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations further says that additional thugs took advantage of the protests by accosting and mugging bystanders on major roadways.
“DCI teams have been dispatched to pursue gang members recorded by concerned citizens violently robbing innocent Kenyans on the roads, while taking advantage of the ongoing demonstrations,” the DCI says, vowing to catch those involved in the criminal activities.