๐ช๐ถ๐ต๐ซ๐ฌ๐ด๐ต๐จ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ต ๐ถ๐ญ ๐ผ๐ต๐พ๐จ๐น๐น๐จ๐ต๐ป๐ฌ๐ซ ๐จ๐ป๐ป๐จ๐ช๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ต ๐ฒ๐ด๐ท๐ซ๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ต๐ฌ๐น๐จ๐ณ ๐บ๐ฌ๐ช๐น๐ฌ๐ป๐จ๐น๐ ๐ซ๐น. ๐ซ๐จ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฐ ๐จ๐ป๐ป๐ฌ๐ณ๐ณ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ต๐๐จ๐ต ๐ท๐ถ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ช๐ฌ The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K) vehemently condemns the reprehensible actions of the Kenyan police in their unwarranted attack on Dr. Davji Attella, the General Secretary of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU). Dr. Davji Attella was leading a peaceful procession addressing the delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees for postgraduate students โ matters of critical importance to the healthcare sector. In adherence to the law, he had proactively engaged with the Kenyan police to ensure the provision of security for the peaceful gathering. The brutal actions taken by the Kenyan police against Dr. Davji Attella during a peaceful assembly are not only regrettable but also a flagrant violation of the spirit of the Kenyan Constitution, for which COTU (K) tirelessly fought to ensure the protection of workers’ rights under Articles 36, 37, and 41. Such actions stand in direct contradiction to the principles enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which advocate for the freedom of association, collective bargaining, and protection against anti-union discrimination. Furthermore, this incident runs counter to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically Article 23, emphasizing the right to form and join trade unions. COTU (K) underscores the importance of respecting the rights of workers to assemble peacefully, express their concerns, and engage in lawful demonstrations without fear of undue aggression or harm. The actions of the Kenyan police undermine the fundamental principles that form the cornerstone of our democratic society. We demand an unconditional and immediate apology from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government for the unprovoked attack on Dr. Davji Attella, a respected leader advocating for the rights and welfare of healthcare professionals in Kenya. Additionally, we call for a thorough investigation into this incident and urge that appropriate action be taken against the officer(s) responsible for this reprehensible act. COTU (K) remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of workers and ensuring the protection of their constitutional and international rights. Ends. Dr. Francis Atwoli, NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS SECRETARY GENERAL
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