Volunteer doctor 'Ja Prado' freed hours after abduction

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) condemned the reported abduction, calling it an act of impunity by the government.

The abduction, reports said, occurred on Sunday, during a blood donation drive at the Sikh Union on Forest Road. 

Witnesses reported that Dr. Omondi was actively participating in a humanitarian event aimed at assisting injured protestors when he was forcibly taken by individuals in a vehicle bearing the registration number KCU 819H.

Dr. Omondi later provided an update on X, stating, "I was abducted incommunicado by the Kenya Police this afternoon and taken in by the NIS while conducting a blood donation drive at the Sikh Union." Car used was KCU 819H. My family and legal representatives have been denied access to me. I appeal for your support in demanding my immediate release.”

Following his abduction, the KMPDU, which represents 10,000 medical doctors in Kenya's public and private sectors, called for his immediate and unconditional release. They threatened to shut down all public and private medical services in order to locate their colleague.

Dr. Omondi's kidnapping has raised serious concerns, particularly given that his work is consistent with the Geneva Conventions, which protect medics and aid workers even in conflict zones. 

The KMPDU emphasised that the recent protests do not excuse such acts against medical personnel.

“We unequivocally reject any breach of the Geneva Conventions, which protect medics and aid workers even in conflict zones. The recent protests do not justify such reprehensible actions,” read the KMPDU statement. “Medical personnel remain impartial, dedicated to saving lives on all sides of any conflict.”

The KMPDU expressed relief at Dr. Omondi's release while also condemning the government's actions, pointing out what they termed as ‘threats, intimidation, and fear-mongering tactics’ would not be tolerated.

“Our colleague @Dr_AustinOmondi has been released. We condemn in the strongest terms possible the impunity of this government; the threats, intimidations, and the act of fear mongering cannot work,” stated Davji Atellah, KMPDU Secretary General.