The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced the suspension of plans to occupy the Ministry of Health premises on Monday, July 8.
In a statement on Monday morning, the union stated that the decision was a result of ongoing negotiations to ensure all the intern doctors were posted.
"We are suspending the occupation of Afya House. This decision comes as a result of ongoing discussions and commitments made towards ensuring all medical interns are posted in accordance with the 2017 CBA. We remain vigilant and committed to achieving fair outcomes for all interns," KMPDU stated.
KMPDU had announced on July 4 a plan to hold the 'Occupy MoH' protests after noting that the government had failed to honour one of the agreements made as part of a return-to-work formula.
The return-to-work formula was inked between the union and the government in May, ending a 56-day doctors' strike.
Read More
"Based on the return-to-work formula dated May 8th, intern doctors were to collect their posting letters by July 7th, 2024. The same was promised to us by Health CS Susan Nakhumicha in the presence of the president in State House. We have therefore decided to occupy the MOH day and night starting on July 8th," KMPDU stated.
In a letter dated July 4, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah asked Nairobi police commander Adamson Bungei to provide security during the protests.
"We have scheduled a sit-in day and night at the Ministry of Health where all the medical interns will be ready to collect their letters as agreed and in compliance with the RTWF and court order on Monday, 8th July, 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m.
"This letter is to inform you to provide security and maintain order for all participants during this event," Atellah stated.
Update: KMPDU now claims X Account was Hacked
In a fresh twist, KMPDU Secretary General Davji has claimed that their account was hacked and the occupy MoH protests are still on.
"Reports circulating to the effect that #OccupyMoH has been suspended is false. The union handle has been compromised and we are trying our best to gain control of it and clean. We must overhaul the system including those that have hacked the union handles. We remain strong. We remain focused," he stated.
