The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has condemned the attack on Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Attelah.
In a statement on Friday, March 1, Atwoli said the attack on the KMPDU secretary General during a peaceful protest was a violation of the Kenyan Constitution.
“The actions of the Kenyan police undermine the fundamental principles that form the cornerstone of our democratic society,” said Atwoli.
He also noted that the attack contravened the principles enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which advocate for the freedom of association, collective bargaining, and protection against anti-union discrimination.
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The trade unionist demanded an unconditional apology from Interior CS Kithure Kindiki over the attack on Atellah.
“We demand an unconditional and immediate apology from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government for the unprovoked attack on Dr. Davji Attella, a respected leader advocating for the rights and welfare of healthcare professionals in Kenya,” Atwoli remarked.
Atellah was injured on Thursday after being hit by a teargas canister while leading protests outside the Ministry of Health in Nairobi over the delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees for postgraduate students.
The protests ended after the Anti-Riot officers dispersed the medical interns from the Ministry of Health’s gate.
The KMPDU SG was admitted to the Nairobi Hospital after suffering a head injury.
