KMPDU outraged as striking doctors attacked by goons in Kwale

Some striking doctors in Kwale county were on Tuesday violently dispersed by a group of alleged hired goons while preparing to hold a press briefing at the Msambweni County Referral and Teaching Hospital.

The incident has sparked outrage from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, which has condemned the attack as a blatant attempt to intimidate healthcare workers demanding their rights.

The doctors, who are part of a nationwide strike, had gathered to voice concerns over delayed salaries, lack of promotions, study leave, poor working conditions, and non-remittance of statutory deductions critical for their medical insurance and pensions.

The disruption forced the medics to cut short their planned media address.

KMPDU Coast region chair Dr Niko Gichana, who narrowly escaped the chaos, criticised the attack saying some people with political interests had sponsored the attack to silence medical professionals.

“It is unfortunate and unacceptable that people can be mobilised to attack doctors who are only asking for what they are legally and morally entitled to. We will not be cowed,” Dr Gichana said.

He said the incident left many doctors fearing for their safety and questioned how easily such attacks could be organised against professionals advocating for better healthcare services.

“It is extremely disheartening that instead of being supported, doctors are now being targeted for simply demanding better healthcare for the very communities they serve,” he said.

Dr Gichana reiterated that the doctors remain peaceful and are ready to negotiate with the authorities.

He emphasised that the strike is a lawful push for justice, not rebellion.

“We are professionals. Our work is to save lives, not to engage in street battles. We are more than ready to sit down at the negotiating table. All we want is dialogue and tangible solutions,” he added.

Among the union's key demands are the recruitment of more specialists in critical care areas like ICU and HDU, and the procurement of modern medical equipment to improve service delivery.

KMPDU Coast branch organising secretary Dr Stephen Olunya also condemned the attack and criticised the Kwale county government for its continued silence and inaction.

“It is unfortunate that instead of addressing our concerns, the county leadership has chosen intimidation. We were even denied access to the hospital, a clear violation of our professional rights,” he said.

Dr Olunya insisted the strike will continue until all demands are met.

“We are not asking for favours. We are demanding what is rightfully ours. Until our issues are fully addressed, we will not resume work,” he said.

Kwale pathologist Dr Milaki Boy Juma accused the county of offering endless promises without action, saying doctors in the region have long suffered under poor working conditions.

“For too long, we’ve been fed with fake promises and delays. We are tired and we are not backing down this time,” she said.

However, Msambweni County Referral Hospital Board chair Hussein Mgunga dismissed the claims of intimidation, saying the county government remains committed to the welfare of its health workers.

He acknowledged ongoing issues but stressed that the government must follow due process in addressing them.

“The government cannot be run like a private household. There are procedures that must be followed to avoid audit queries,” Mgunga said.

He termed the strike unnecessary insisting the county is already working on solutions.

 Instant analysis

The attack on striking doctors in Kwale was both unnecessary and deeply troubling. These healthcare professionals were peacefully exercising their right to protest and seek dialogue over unresolved issues affecting service delivery, issues that include unpaid salaries, understaffing, and lack of critical medical equipment. Resorting to violence against them not only violates their rights but undermines the integrity of the healthcare system.