Doctors have told off Interior CS Kithure Kindiki for saying striking doctors have been intimidating and threatening violence against health workers who decided not to participate in the strike.
The doctors in a rejoinder noted that they have always engaged in peaceful protests, and warned the government against any attempt to disperse them.
They termed the statement by Kindiki as 'propaganda' aimed to justify the use of force on the protesting medics.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy SG Dennis Miskellah warned any move to disperse the striking doctors will leave them with no choice but to completely stay away from health facilities.
“We only engage in peaceful protests. Any excuse that we have attacked those who are working is cheap propaganda aimed at justifying the use of brute force against peaceful and harmless doctors. How do we attack people who are working from home?” Miskellah said.
"The National Police Service has duly been notified of the same and any act of violence against any of our members will be met with immediate shutdown of all health facilities,” he added.
Kindiki had earlier on Tuesday said that the ministry had noted that the participants in the industrial action have continued to defy a court order, and termed their strike illegal.
Kindiki also highlighted that the health workers involved in the strike have repeatedly threatened to disrupt services in health facilities, interfere with the work of non-striking health workers, and disrupt public order in general.
In addition, the Interior boss directed security agencies to protect the public and doctors who are on duty.
“Law enforcement agencies are directed to ensure strict maintenance of law and order to protect the general public and the health workers who have chosen to obey the court order by providing services pending the resolution of the labour dispute,” Kindiki said.
The doctors on Tuesday held another protest in Nairobi to push for the implementation of their grievances.
The union had in a letter dated April 4 written to the Nairobi regional police commander notifying of their intention to hold the protests, and requesting for security during the same.
The letter which was signed by KMPDU SG Davji Atellah and copied to the officer in charge of Kilimani police station and Capitol Hill police station was stamped as having been received by the Sub County Police Commander (SCPC) Kilimani/Kibra Subcounty and the officer commanding Capital Hill.
“In light of the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, we kindly request your assistance in providing security during this event,” the letter reads.
