Medical unions condemn attack on KMPDU Secretary General

Gibore called upon investigative authorities to thoroughly look into the incident.

In Summary
  • Gibore said the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable.

  • He said it goes against the principles of democracy and human rights.

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers secretary general George Gibore
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers secretary general George Gibore
Image: FILE

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Secretary General George Maroah Gibore has condemned the attack on KMPDU's Secretary General Davji Bhimji Attellah during a protest on Thursday. 

Gibore said the union is deeply disturbed and appalled by the attack meted out on Attellah. 

He noted that the incident occurred during a peaceful procession to the Treasury, where Attellah and his comrades intended to serve a petition to Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u. 

"It is with great sorrow that we announce Attellah's grave injury. We strongly condemn this heinous act by the police force," he said. 

Gibore said the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable and goes against the principles of democracy and human rights.

"Attellah, a dedicated healthcare professional and a voice for medical workers' rights, should never have been subjected to such violence," he said. 

He called upon investigative authorities to thoroughly look into the incident.

"The investigation must be transparent and impartial, and it must involve relevant stakeholders, including the worker's umbrella body COTU, human rights organisations, and international bodies such as Public Service International," Gibore said. 

He said those responsible for the egregious act must be identified and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Attellah and his family during this difficult time," he said. 

"We stand in solidarity with our colleagues at KMPDU and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of all healthcare professionals."

KMPDU Chairperson Abi Mwachi has called for the closure of all hospitals in the country after Attellah was hit by a teargas canister. 

Mwachi called on all doctors to assemble at Ufungano House in Nairobi next week on a date that will be communicated to raise their unified voices against totalitarianism and violence.

"What this means expressly is that we expect a nationwide industrial action and closure of all hospitals – public and private," he said. 

Furthermore, Mwachi urged doctors across the continent to show their support by wearing a red armband in a symbolic statement of solidarity from Monday. 

He called for the arrest of the person who injured Attellah during a peaceful protest. 

"The KMPDU denounces this act of aggression and calls for an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators and their collaborators to justice," Mwachi said. 

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