Workers Union blast authorities over attack on KMPDU officials
The brutality recently meted out by authorities to demonstrating members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) continues to receive criticism across the country.
In a statement, the Kenya County Government Workers Union has condemned the brutality by the police, saying that the same should be done by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu).
The union’s general secretary Mr Roba Duba is now asking Cotu secretary general Mr Francis Atwoli to call for a countrywide protest.
“We further call upon our Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) to call upon all trade unions in Kenya to action in protest of such actions. We wish our injured comrades speedy recovery,” Mr Roba said.
During the protest, KMPDU secretary general Dr Davji Atellah was injured after being hit by a tear gas canister which the police were using to disperse protesters.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment as the union members announced a countrywide protest to condemn the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
Mr Roba stated that KMPDU members were exercising their constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket as provided under Articles 37 and 41 of the Kenyan Constitution 2010.
“It is appalling and inexcusable that the police acted with such force on innocent workers who were not armed but merely exercising their democratic and labour rights.”
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also been asked to rein in such action by the police and further initiate investigations on the matter with a view of bringing to book the police officer/s who perpetrated this heinous act.
Earlier, Mr Atwoli boss issued a statement condemning the act and asking the Ministry of Interior to apologise for the attack on professional people who were demanding their rights.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has also condemned the police for using excessive force to disperse protesters despite them being informed of the intention to hold a peaceful protest.
KNCHR has asked the government to conduct a thorough, and transparent investigation into the matter and hold accountable the police officers who were behind the ugly incident.
KMPDU officials were protesting over the delayed posting of medical interns as well as other issues within the health sector.
Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also condemned the attack.
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