- Koome had earlier issued a statement saying medics have become a public nuisance through their demonstrations.
- Atellah argued that any attempt to undermine these democratic values is unacceptable.
Image: FILE
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union SG Davji Atellah has responded to Inspector General Japheth Koome's recent remarks regarding medical demonstrations.
Koome previously released a statement alleging that medic demonstrations had transformed into a public nuisance.
He highlighted that medics during their demonstrations while blowing whistles and vuvuzelas, cause discomfort to patients in hospitals and the general public.
In his rejoinder, Atellah emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions, as outlined in Article 37 of the Constitution. He argued that any attempt to undermine these democratic values is unacceptable.
"The statement by the National Police Service, threatening doctors and clinical officers on strike, not only disregards their legitimate grievances but also sets a dangerous precedent of authoritarianism," Atellah said.
According to Atellah, KMPDU meticulously follows proper channels to ensure peaceful demonstrations
"We follow proper channels yet we are met with threats of force and intimidation."
In his statement, Koome said police are privy to information that non-medics are now planning to join the demos to cause terror and havoc to the public at large.
“This is a move that poses a threat to public safety and security,” he said.
“In the interest of national security, therefore, all respective Police Commanders have been instructed to deal with such situations firmly and decisively in accordance with the law.”
Attelah said the directive essentially condones violence against Kenyan citizens exercising their fundamental rights.
"It's deeply concerning that even after 60 years of independence, our government resorts to suppressing dissent rather than upholding democratic principles. This must be condemned unequivocally."
Koome cautioned all doctors to refrain from infringing on the rights of others while demonstrating.
He added that their efforts to disrupt the smooth operations of hospitals will not be tolerated.
“We wish to assure the public that our country is safe and that the National Police Service remains committed to maintaining law and order,” Koome said.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei told the doctors on Saturday that the State does not have Sh206,000 to give the intern doctors.
Koskei said the doctors should take Sh70,000 as the government has no money to pay intern doctors the Sh206,000 monthly salary they are demanding.
He said the country is running under a very tight budget as the economic situation is very dire and this applies to everyone across all sectors.
Koskei said the striking doctors should therefore accept what has been offered to them by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).