KNCHR calls out IG Koome for threatening protesting doctors
Nairobi
By
Stephanie Wangari
| Apr 15, 2024
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for the immediate cessation of threats against doctors who are protesting.
This follows a statement by the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome asking police commanders to deal with doctors on strike 'firmly'.
"In the interest of national security, therefore, all respective Police Commanders have been instructed to deal with such situations firmly and decisively following the law," Koome said in his Sunday, April 14, statement.
In a rejoinder, KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said protestors should not be threatened but be provided with adequate security.
READ MORE
Coffee societies net Sh41 billion in one year
AfDB, Family Bank sign Sh1.297b trade deal to support Kenyan businesses
Kenya's energy transition will be won at the last mile
How State blunders cost Kwale decade-long titanium boom
Kenya's public finance reforms stir regional interest
Private sector lending drags as banks lean on State securities
Fraud-proof by design: AI's role in fighting economic crime
World Bank tips Kenya on jobs to reverse flagging economic fortunes
Science, technology key to reviving Kenya's coffee sector
NCBA bank launches 2026 Johari awards in Western Kenya as asset finance demand grows
"The KNCHR maintains that national security shall be pursued with utmost respect for the rule of law and human rights as provided for in Article 238 (d) of the Constitution of Kenya Article 37 of the Constitution unequivocally guarantees the right of every person peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities. It is the duty of the state to secure the rights of both the protestors and non-protesters," she said.
Additionally, Odede called upon the government and the medical practitioners to resolve the outstanding issues urgently so that the doctors can return to work.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has since proceeded to court, accusing the Inspector General of Police of contravening the constitution.
The union also wants Koome to apologise for the Feb 29 assault on KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah by police.