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KMPDU calls for justice after violent attacks on protesters, medical personnel

Emergency medical services personnel during anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi CBD on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Hafsa Hassan)

By Lucy Mumbi | Wednesday, June 26, 2024

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has demanded justice following the violent suppression of peaceful protesters and medical personnel by police during the Tuesday demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.

The protests under the hashtags #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament, turned chaotic after the protesters breached security and entered Parliament, taking over the cafeteria and vandalising equipment in the August House.

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On Wednesday morning, the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) said at least 53 deaths occurred on Tuesday after the protests.

Out of these, 23 of the deaths were recorded between 7 am and 6 pm across the county while 30 others were recorded at night in the Githurai area.4

Amnesty International on Tuesday reported at least five people died from gunshot wounds and thirty-one people were injured.

The Kenya Red Cross Society noted that several staff and volunteers who were delivering first aid, emergency medical care, and humanitarian assistance to those in need were also injured.

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah termed the violence as unacceptable noting that Kenyans were exercising their democratic rights to protest.

“We are deeply saddened and appalled by the government's brutal response to its people. Several lives were tragically lost as a result of live bullets and ammunition fired by the authorities. These Kenyans were exercising their democratic right to protest and now their families are left to mourn their untimely and unnecessary deaths. We demand justice for those whose lives were lost and protection for all who stand up for their rights,” Atellah said.

Emergency service providers attend to a protester reportedly shot by police at Archives along Moi Avenue during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 demonstrations pic.twitter.com/BzRA01sFeS
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 25, 2024

He noted that the acts of aggression against those who were there to help the injured are appalling and inhumane

“Medical teams, including those from the Crescent and Holy Family Basilica, were tear-gassed and assaulted while attending to gunshot victims. Even the demonstration's equipment was not spared, as police vandalised the speakers used by the protesters. This violence is unacceptable,” Atellah said.

He reiterated that Kenya cannot go back on all the strides it has made to achieve what Kenyans rightfully deserve.

He said the union is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens to protest peacefully and seek justice without fear of repression.

“We do not condone the government's actions and call for accountability. Our stance is firm: we always stand for peaceful demonstrations and the right to voice our concerns without fear of violence, as enshrined in our constitution. We cannot go back on all the strides Kenya has made to achieve what Kenyans rightfully deserve,” he said.

Kenya Red Cross said any attack targeting medical and humanitarian actors is a violation of national and international standards that ensure the injured and sick receive the care they need.

“We remain steadfast in our humanitarian mission to protect and save lives, upholding the principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence. We appeal to the general public for continued support in ensuring that we can carry on our life-saving mission safely and efficiently,” the organisation said.