The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has released a statement after the union boss Davji Atellah was shot during protests.
According to reports, KMPDU has urged all doctors to assemble in Nairobi next week and wear a red armband as a gesture of solidarity to the shot KMPDU union boss.
This cokes after Davji Atellah was shot during protests on Thursday where doctors were protesting against delays in over 1,000 medical interns were not hired. Doctors further criticised the Ministry of Health for refusing to absorb the medics thereby denying Kenyans medical services.
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KMPDU National Chairman Dr. Abi Mwachi, in a statement to newsrooms after the incident, condemned the action by police as he announced looming countrywide mass action and the closure of all hospitals.
“In solidarity with our Secretary General, we call upon all doctors to assemble at Ufungmaano House in Nairobi next week on a date that will be communicated after our National Advisory Council deliberations to raise our unified voices against totalitarianism and violence.”
The chairman said that all hospitals will be closed next both private and private to ensure that the government listens to the plight of doctors.
“What this means expressly is that we expect a nationwide industrial action and closure of all hospitals – public and private. Furthermore, we urge doctors across the continent to show their support by wearing a red armband in a symbolic statement of solidarity from Monday.”
While terming the shooting as a malicious action aimed at ending Dr. Atellah’s life, Dr. Mwachi called for a probe to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
“We demand the swift seizure and arrest of those responsible for this heinous act, including the owner of the weapon used, without delay. Our organization strongly condemns any form of intimidation or violence used to suppress the freedom of expression and dissent.”