Dr. Davji Bhimji Attellah, the General Secretary of PSI affiliate the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), was severely injured in the head by a fired projectile, most likely a teargas canister during a peaceful protest in Nairobi. He was taken to hospital.
PSI affiliate, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), had embarked on a peaceful protest to demand the release of funds allocated for the deployment of interns and payment of post-graduate fees, essential for the future of healthcare in Kenya.
Repressive actions by Kenyan authorities against the health workers resulted in KMPDU General Secretary Dr. Davji Bhimji Attellah suffering a severe head wound from a fired projectile, most likely a teargas canister. He was taken to hospital.
PSI General Secretary Daniel Bertossa said:
“Unprovoked attacks on doctors taking part in peaceful and authorised actions in support of Kenya’s health system is totally unacceptable. Subjecting health workers to violence for attempting to improve the healthcare system for us all, is despicable.
We call on President William Ruto to issue an immediate public statement explaining what has occurred and committing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
We call on the Kenyan government to respond to the demands of the KMPDU and other health unions in ensuring the release of funds to secure the placement of medical interns.
An attack on a trade union leader is an attack on all trade unionists. PSI is monitoring the situation and will take all necessary action to support Davji and the KMPDU. We call on all trade unions and PSI’s 740 affiliates across 160 countries to demand the Kenyan government take action.
We wish Davji a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with him, his family and all KMPDU members”
PSI stands with Comrade Davji and all of Kenya’s health workers facing oppression at the hands of the Government for standing up for their rights.
We demand an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators and collaborators to justice.
PSI will continue to monitor the situation and raise concerns with the Kenyan government directly and through our global affiliates.
