Kitengela: The Kenya Health Union Caucus has urged the government to deploy armed security at health facilities and for medical personnel to ensure their safety in the workplace. This call comes in response to increasing threats faced by health workers, highlighted by a recent incident at Kitengela Sub County Hospital during Saba Saba demonstrations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the union expressed concerns about the persistent threats to their members' safety due to inadequate security. The attack on health personnel at the Kitengela Sub County Hospital underscored the urgent need for armed security measures. During a media briefing at the hospital, Peterson Wachira, chairperson of the Health Union Caucus, revealed that doctors on duty during the incident remain traumatized, despite none being physically harmed. They had to disguise themselves as patients to evade attackers.
Wachira stated that it is unacceptable for any individual to harm those who provide lifesaving services. He emphasized that health facilities, particularly in areas prone to unrest, must receive continuous armed security from the Kenya Police, not just during demonstrations. He warned that failure to ensure security would lead to the invocation of section 14 of the Occupational Health and Safety act, allowing the withdrawal of health workers from unsafe environments.
George Gibore, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, condemned the attack and highlighted the challenges faced by health personnel during violent protests. He noted that demonstrations have previously resulted in vandalism and affected over seven healthcare workers last year. Gibore called for government measures to secure health professionals across all facilities, emphasizing their neutrality and commitment to serving all individuals in need, in line with international laws.
Nicholas Odipo, chairman of the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers, also condemned the attacks, emphasizing the importance of hospitals as critical government installations. He urged health workers to leave unsafe workplaces and demanded armed security for all hospitals nationwide.
The unions criticized protesters for road barricades during demonstrations, which hindered access to vital medical services. They also requested government initiatives to address mental health issues among the youth and police.
In a statement from Alex Kilowua, County Executive Committee Member for Health, it was reported that a group accompanying an injured person to Kitengela Sub County Hospital became aggressive, intimidating staff and disrupting emergency services during the Saba Saba protests. Their actions caused panic, disrupted operations, and endangered patients and frontline workers.