- KMPDU secretary general Dr Davji Atellah was injured during the protests after he was hit by a teargas canister and bled profusely from the head.
- IMLU executive director Wangechi Kahuria said it was unacceptable that the peaceful protest was met with violence and full disregard of the law.
Image: KMPDU/X
The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) has expressed solidarity with the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union after they were dispersed during a peaceful protest.
IMLU said the peaceful protesters had adhered to all legal requirements as provided by the Constitution.
KMPDU secretary general Dr Davji Atellah was injured during the protests after he was hit by a teargas canister and bled profusely from the head.
In a statement on Saturday, IMLU executive director Wangechi Kahuria said it was unacceptable that the peaceful protest was met with violence and full disregard of the law.
"We express solidarity with KMPDU, the 20 victims who were injured and wish them quick recovery. Our prayers are also with Dr Davji Atellah who is currently admitted to the hospital," Kahuria said.
She added that the unwarranted use of excessive force and punitive policing during the protest is deeply troubling.
Kahuria urged law enforcement officers to apply non-violent means before resorting to force and firearms against protesters.
She said Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 secures the freedom to protest as an inviolable right.
"Additionally, relevant provisions of international treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (HPR) underscore the protection of these rights," she added.
The condemnation comes days after IMLU launched the Death, Blood and Tears report on February 23, 2024.
IMLU said the report highlighted unsettling and disturbing abuse of police power and violence during peaceful protests.
"We therefore vehemently denounce the torture of peaceful and unarmed protesters and commit to detailed documentation of these violations and urgently call upon the government to take swift action in holding the perpetrators of this blatant disregard for Human Rights accountable," Kahuria said.
IMLU emphasised their contribution to democracy and the global enjoyment of human rights.
They called on the injured medical practitioners and anyone affected during the protest to contact them on the toll-free line 0800721401.
The doctors were protesting to push for the posting of medical interns.
According to KMPDU, 1,215 medical interns are awaiting posting with some having waited for either six months or one year.
KMPDU has since condemned the incident saying they were leading a peaceful march.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened a probe into the incident.
The Authority said it was seised of the matter and is currently conducting inquiries into the unfortunate injuring of demonstrators.
“As mandated by Section 6(c) of Cap 86 of the Laws of Kenya, the Authority monitored the enforcement of public order management by members of the National Police Service,” a statement signed by chairperson Ann Makori read in part.