As Kenyans prepare for the upcoming Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7, medical workers have raised serious safety concerns.
They have made it clear that they will not be on the ground to help those injured, teargassed, or shot during the demonstrations.
Two key unions, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), have spoken out. They say their members are no longer safe during such events.
“We have seen rising violence during protests,” said KUCO Secretary General George Gibore.
“Last week alone, over seven medics had their vehicles broken into. Phones were stolen. This is not acceptable.”
The doctors say they are not refusing to help out of spite, but out of fear.
In previous protests, they have been teargassed by the police, and faced attacks from hired goons and violent protesters. Now, they are choosing to stay away to protect their lives.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah echoed the same concern.
“Whenever there’s chaos, we must put our members’ safety first. Life is more important,” he said.
It i not just medics who are worried. In Nanyuki, businesspeople met with security officials to plan how to protect their shops. Some business owners have already suffered looting and vandalism during past protests.
A local police officer told TV47 that anyone caught destroying property will be arrested and taken to court. “We will do all we can to maintain peace and order,” he said.
For now, the unions are urging the public and protest organizers to consider the risks. Without proper safety measures in place, even medical help may be out of reach.
By Vivian K.