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Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is today expected to visit Kenya Medical Practitioners, pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) National Secretary General and CEO Davji Attelah at the National Hospital this afternoon.

According to KMPDU, Davji was leading a procession of medical interns who are yet to be posted after waiting for more than six months when he got hit by a teargas canister and sustained deep cuts in the forehead on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Kenya Medical Association (KMA) Secretary General Diana Marion and ICJ Kenya chair Protas Saende condemned the incident saying it was unacceptable. KMA also asked the Ministry of Health to resolve the issue of internship postings for new doctors.

“The Kenya Medical Association vehemently condemns the recent act of police brutality against Dr. Davji Bhimji the Secretary-General and CEO of Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU), an unarmed Kenyan citizen who was advocating for the rights of young doctors exhibited via peaceful legal demonstrations.

“Violence against healthcare professionals is unacceptable and goes against the principles of compassion and care that the medical profession stands for,” Marion stated.

On her part, Marion called on police to thoroughly investigate and bring the suspects to book.

“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and the use of excessive force by law enforcement authorities is unacceptable and undermines the principles of a just and democratic society. We call for a thorough investigation into this incident and urge the authorities to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. We cannot be a nation which attacks its doctors,” Marion stated,

Saende on the other hand urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to look into the matter and bring those involved to book.

“As a Commission of Jurists, we urge the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take immediate action to investigate these incidents of excessive use of force and hold those responsible accountable.

“Law enforcement agencies must be trained in the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights to ensure the protection of citizens during assemblies. We call on the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that the officers are prosecuted to the full extent of the law and, if need be invoke the principle of Command Responsibility,” Saende stated.