Doctors, dentists threaten strike over arrest of colleagues

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has threatened to down tools over what they have described as the unfair and mysterious arrest and treatment of officials linked to the Nairobi hospital, reports the Kenyans. Speaking after visiting the detained officials at Muthaiga police station, KMPDU secretary general Davji Atelah demanded the immediate release of the officials, noting that they will go on strike from today (Monday) if they are not released. The union is specifically protesting against the arrest of Dr Job Obwaka, an 83-year-old doctor and a board member of the Nairobi hospital. The obstetrician and gynaecologist was arrested on Saturday morning under what KMPDU said are unclear and disturbing circumstances. Another director, Valery Gaya, and former director Chris Bichage are reportedly being held at Pangani Police Station, with no reports of their release as of this morning.

According to the Law Society of Kenya, Obwaka's arrest is related to a registration issue tied to the Nairobi hospital's 2024 annual general meeting, while KMPDU said they had been told the doctor was being accused of falsifying the register of members. ‘It is important to note that Dr. Obwaka was not present at the time when the alleged irregularities in these records are said to have occurred, raising serious questions about the basis and fairness of the accusations being levelled against him,’ it added. The lawyers allege the arrests are tied to a row over the control of the Nairobi hospital, with some accusing senior state officials linked to the office of the President of trying to forcefully take control of the hospital. Acording to the Kenyans, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi had earlier accused the President of forcefully trying to take control of the hospital, while Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka now alleges the arrest was carried out on direct orders from the head of state.