In a shocking turn of events, Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, the Secretary General and CEO of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU), found himself at the center of a harrowing incident on February 20, 2024.
Anti-riot police officers shot Dr. Atellah outside the Ministry of Health offices in Nairobi, where doctors had gathered to protest the delayed hiring of medical interns.
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), representing the country’s doctors, swiftly condemned the incident in a strongly worded statement.
Dr. Diana Marion, the Secretary General of KMA, expressed vehement condemnation of the act of police brutality against Dr. Atellah, an unarmed advocate for the rights of young doctors.
The association emphasized that violence against healthcare professionals is unacceptable, contradicting the principles of compassion and care that the medical profession upholds.
Peaceful protest, a fundamental right, was underscored by KMA, highlighting that the use of excessive force by law enforcement authorities is unacceptable and undermines the principles of a just and democratic society.
The association called for a thorough investigation into the incident, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The statement also emphasized the importance of not being a nation that attacks its doctors.
Additionally, KMA addressed the broader issue of internship postings for new doctors, expressing disappointment and concern over the necessity for doctors to resort to picketing to be posted as medical interns by the government.
The delay not only affects career progression but has a significant impact on the entire healthcare system’s capacity to meet the health needs of the Kenyan population.
The association urged the Ministry of Health to swiftly resolve the internship posting issue, highlighting its implications on healthcare delivery.
Dr. Marion reassured KMA’s commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of healthcare professionals and pledged to work towards creating a conducive environment for the practice of medicine in Kenya.
Meanwhile, reports from KTN news provided a detailed account of the incident, stating that Dr. Atellah was injured by anti-riot police outside the Ministry of Health offices, where doctors had gathered for a peaceful demonstration.
The protest aimed to draw attention to the delayed hiring of medical interns, a critical issue affecting the medical community in Kenya.
Kakamega Senator Boniface Khalwale denounced the incident as “completely unacceptable” and revealed that Dr. Atellah had been shot by anti-riot police officers at the gates of the Ministry of Health.
The senator expressed concern for Dr. Atellah’s well-being, noting that he had been rushed to the hospital for emergency care.
The Orange Democratic Movement, through its X platform, condemned the use of excessive force on citizens, particularly on Dr. Atellah, who was leading a peaceful protest by intern doctors fighting for their rights.
The opposition party criticized the police for their continued use of force and expressed solidarity with the KMPDU and the young doctors advocating for their rights.
Former Law Society of Kenya Nelson Havi directed a stern message to Inspector General Koome, asserting that leaders of professional organizations should be off-limits for police violence.
Havi held the police personally accountable for the assault on Dr. Atellah, emphasizing the significant investment in training doctors compared to police officers.
Social media enthusiast Francis Gaitho provided a unique perspective, attributing the incident to alleged corruption within the police force.
Gaitho claimed that the KMPDU was protesting against corruption by specific individuals within the Ministry of Health and warned of drastic action in both public and private facilities.
As the news unfolded, reactions poured in from various quarters, reflecting the widespread concern and condemnation of the incident.
The shocking event has ignited a larger conversation about the state of healthcare, the rights of professionals, and the role of law enforcement in ensuring a just and democratic society in Kenya.
