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Nurses' union asks members to voluntarily help Finance Bill protesters

Paramedics attend to an injured protester during demonstrations against Finance Bill 2024, in Nairobi on June 20, 2024. (Photo: Hafsa Hassan/EV)

By Yunis Dekow | Monday, June 24, 2024

Secretary General Seth Panyako emphasised the importance of supporting citizens' right to access medical care, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has asked its members to volunteer their medical services during demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 set for Tuesday.

In a letter to all members on Monday, Secretary General Seth Panyako said the union was aware of the ongoing protests and would provide medical care.

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He emphasised the importance of supporting citizens' right to access medical care, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.

Panyako urged health workers to join forces and provide first aid services during the demonstrations to address potential injuries or medical emergencies.

"In solidarity and in line with the Constitution of Kenya, which mandates every citizen's right to access medical care, we hereby request our members to join other health workers and volunteer to offer first aid services to our citizens in case of fatalities during the peaceful demonstration," read part of the letter seen by The Eastleigh Voice.

It noted the union's solidarity with the citizens fighting the bill and called for a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals to safeguard public health during the events.

The KNUN further said it will ensure that the health and safety of demonstrators are maintained.

It requested that the government take the necessary measures to provide adequate security during the demonstrations, ensuring that medical services can be delivered without hindrance.

The bill has sparked widespread debate and led to significant public demonstrations in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Baringo, and Garissa, among other counties.

"It is the constitutional right of the government to provide security to its citizens, hence, we request the government to ensure security is fully offered," said Panyako.

The bill is now in its final stage, set for review by the committee of the whole House on Tuesday for its Third Reading, where a detailed examination and voting on proposed amendments will occur.

During the second reading, 204 legislators voted in favour while 115 opposed it, despite widespread countrywide demonstrations.