By Lauryne Akoth
Doctors have refuted claims by the Ministry of Interior of allegedly threatening and intimidating their counterparts who opted to resume work.
They termed the statement issued by the Ministry of Interior as propaganda aimed at justifying the use of force against doctors participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Earlier today, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration kithure Kindiki issued out a statement terming the industrial action illegal. He accused the doctors on strike of threatening violence against health workers who opted not to participate in the strike.
He went ahead to urge all law enforcement agencies to use all the lawful means and resources available to prevent any disruption of services and to protect the doctors who resumed duty as ordered by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
The Deputy Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Dennis Miskellah cautioned against the use of force against the Doctors on strike. He noted that any use of force shall result in the closure of all health facilities.
In a statement issued via his X handle, Miskellah said, ” We only engage in peaceful protests! The only thing we disturb is silence!! 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?’ 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 SHUT-DOWN of ALL health facilities!”
The latter statement was referring to a letter penned to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander dated 3rd April 2024, notifying him of their intent to hold demonstrations today and requesting security throughout the demonstrations.
