KMPDU SG Atellah condemns IG Koome's criticism on doctors' strike

This after IG Koome termed the demonstrations as an "inconvenience" to the public since medics have been obstructing the free flow of people and motor vehicles, further terming it as unlawful.

In his rebuttal, Davji said that the threats undermine the doctors' rights to demonstrate and present their petitions.

He argued that the union has followed the appropriate procedures to hold the demonstrations which were unfortunately met with hostility from security authorities.

"The statement by the National Police Service, threatening doctors and clinical officers on strike, not only disregards their legitimate grievances but also sets a dangerous precedent of authoritarianism," Atellah wrote on X. 

"This directive essentially condones violence against Kenyan citizens exercising their fundamental rights." 

He therefore called for a harsh disapproval of Koome's remarks, noting that the nation cannot afford to lose track of the gains made in upholding democratic principles.

The nationwide strike, led by KMPDU, entered its fourth week while that called by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) is its third week. 

Likewise, negotiations between the government and the vexed doctors have hit a dead end as doctors want full compliance with the 2017 Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA).