NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for action against police officers who used excessive force during a demonstration by medics on Thursday.
KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede called for an investigation into the circumstances of a head injury sustained by Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah in a statement on Friday.
Union officials accused the police of deliberately aiming at Attellah’s head using a teargas canister.
“During the peaceful protests Dr. Atellah and fellow Medical Practitioners were surprisingly met with excessive force, violating their constitutional rights and endangering their lives,” Odede said as she called for accountability.
Condemning the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers, the human rights body called for peaceful dialogue between Ministry of Health officials and the KMPDU who were protesting over the delayed posting of medical interns and other critical concerns within the health sector.
Speedy resolution
It also urged all stakeholders to prioritize the resolution of issues within the sector for the benefit of all Kenyans.
“KNCHR implores the Cabinet Secretary of Health Susan Nakhumicha and the Ministry of Health officials to immediately engage in meaningful dialogue with the KMPDU to address concerns and avert a potential strike that would adversely affect healthcare services across the country, especially in rural areas,” she stated.
The Commission noted that it is ready to facilitate dialogue and serve as an impartial arbiter between the KMPDU and the Ministry of Health.
“KNCHR encourages both parties to avail themselves of this opportunity to find mutually acceptable solutions. The Commission calls for the establishment of a mechanism to ensure accountability and oversight of law enforcement agencies to prevent a recurrence of such egregious acts of violence,” she said.
Following Thursday’s incident, KMPDU accused police of malice with union officials saying they obtained clearance from authorities to hold the demonstrations.
