Kenya Union of Clinical Officers has called on the police to respect healthcare facilities and places of worship during confrontations with protesters.
The union said the sanctity of healthcare facilities and churches has always been respected even during war as safe places where people seek treatment and refuge.
“We watched in utter disbelief as police officers forcibly removed patients from a Bliss hospital yesterday, an act that is both inhuman and gross violation of human rights and professional ethics,” the union said in a statement.
KUCO Secretary General George Gibore, national chairman Peterson Wachira and national Treasury Mary Boniface signed the statement.
The union condemned recent actions of alleged police brutality during anti-government protests.
“These actions include instances of brutality and the reckless use of live bullets against professionals’ like the deliberate shooting of MediaMax journalist Wanjeri Kariuki while covering demonstrations and use of tear gas near healthcare emergency responders and health facilities,” it said.
The union said the police's intrusion and the subsequent brutal eviction are without a doubt affront to the sanctity of medical institutions and the rights of patients to receive uninterrupted care.
“Also, the use of tear gas near hospitals endangers patients, healthcare workers, and the general public,” KUCO added.
“We demand a thorough investigation into the incidents, with appropriate actions taken against those responsible for these egregious acts.”
The union asked senior police officers to take immediate measures to ensure that healthcare institutions and Churches are protected, and free from any form of violence or disruption.
“Law enforcement must uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, especially those who are vulnerable and in need of medical care,” KUCO urged.
The union said it stands in solidarity with the affected journalists, patients, healthcare workers, and the public.