BY SHABAN OMAR
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a strong statement condemning threats and intimidation targeted at striking doctors in Kwale County.
This comes in the wake of a chaotic incident on Tuesday at the Msambweni County Referral and Teaching Hospital, where a planned media briefing by the medics was disrupted by a group of suspected hired goons and local youths.
The doctors, who are part of a nationwide strike, had assembled to voice their grievances which include delayed salaries, stalled promotions, lack of study leave, poor working conditions, and failure by both the county and national governments to remit statutory deductions for health insurance and pension contributions.
Tension erupted when the youths stormed the venue, dispersing the medics and cutting short the press conference.
KMPDU Coast Region Chairperson Dr. Niko Gichana, who was present during the chaos, narrowly escaped unhurt. He strongly condemned the attack, terming it a deliberate and cowardly attempt to silence doctors through fear.
“It is disheartening that people can be incited to attack professionals who are peacefully fighting for their rights and for improved healthcare services. We shall not be intimidated. Our cause is noble and justified,” he said.
He noted that the incident had shaken many doctors, leaving them fearful for their safety, and questioned why those advocating for public health improvements are being turned into targets.
“The message we’re sending is simple better pay, better working conditions, and quality healthcare for the people. But instead of being heard, we are being hunted,” he said.
Among the union’s core demands are the immediate hiring of more specialists, especially in critical departments like ICU and HDU, as well as the provision of modern medical equipment to enhance service delivery in public hospitals.
Dr. Gichana reiterated that the doctors are peaceful professionals who are only seeking dialogue, not conflict.
“Ours is a lawful and professional struggle. We want engagement, not confrontation. All we’re asking for is honest negotiations and lasting solutions,” he said.
Echoing his sentiments, Coast Branch KMPDU Organizing Secretary Dr. Stephen Olunya expressed deep frustration over what he termed the county government’s silence and indifference.
Coast Branch KMPDU Organizing Secretary Dr. Stephen Olunya addresses the media at the Msambweni in Kwale County
Dr. Olunya accused the Kwale County administration of neglecting doctors’ concerns and using intimidation tactics to derail the strike.
He revealed that apart from being harassed by rowdy youth, the doctors were also locked out of the hospital, an act he described as a violation of their rights.
“No amount of threats will make us abandon this cause. We are demanding what rightfully belongs to us nothing more, nothing less. The strike will continue until our grievances are fully addressed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kwale-based pathologist Dr. Milaki Boy Juma criticized the county government for what she described as a pattern of false promises and unfulfilled commitments.
“Doctors in Kwale have been subjected to endless delays and empty words. We’ve had enough. This time, we are not retreating,” she declared.
Kwale-based pathologist Dr. Milaki Boy Juma
However, the Chairperson of the Msambweni Hospital Board, Hussein Mgunga, denied all the allegations leveled against the county government.
Mgunga said while the county acknowledges some pending issues, efforts are underway to address them but within legal frameworks and procurement regulations.
“This is not a personal enterprise, it’s a government. Processes must be followed to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.
He downplayed the necessity of the strike, insisting the county had already started tackling the challenges raised by the medics.
A local resident, Mohamed Ali Maingu, called on both the doctors and the county government to find an urgent solution to the ongoing standoff, warning that it is the ordinary citizens who continue to bear the brunt of the crisis.
He acknowledged that the country is grappling with financial challenges and urged doctors to be patient.
End
