Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and dentist union “KMPDU” secretary general Devji Atella was allegedly shot by police during protests.
The secretary general was leading a protest of the medical interns to push for their posting.
KMPDU, In a statement, condemned the incident and called upon its members to continue protesting until the government addresses the plight of medical practitioners.
“We condemn in the strongest term possible the shooting of the KMPDU secretary general by the police this afternoon while leading a peaceful protest of the medical interns. The doctors of this country have suffered enough!” part of the statement read.
The union on January 31 had issued a statement that it will have a three-day strike to push the government to post medical interns. On the same day Atellah issued a one-month window for the ministry of health, which elapsed prompting them to engage in the protests.
Among other issues raised by the union include the alleged victimization of doctors and other healthcare workers. They also want the stopped salaries reinstated, and consultants to be designated to the right positions as well as promotions effected.
We condemn in the strongest terms the shooting of our SG @Davji by the police this afternoon when he was leading the Medical interns in peaceful March.The doctors of Kenya have endured enough!This is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. #postmedicalinterns pic.twitter.com/vz8aFAHTAz
— KMPDU (@kmpdu) February 29, 2024
The secretary general was hit by a teargas cannister and is being treated at a Nairobi hospital.