The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a stern warning to county authorities, condemning what it calls a campaign of threats and intimidation against striking doctors in Kiambu County. The union has threatened to escalate the matter to a national level if the harassment does not stop.
In a statement released on May 30, 2025, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah criticized local officials for allegedly using unlawful tactics to suppress industrial action, warning that such actions jeopardize the country’s already strained healthcare system.
“Threatening healthcare workers for asserting their rights isn’t just illegal it’s reckless,” Atellah said via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “These actions erode public trust in the health sector and put lives at risk.”
The remarks followed a meeting between Atellah and striking doctors in Kiambu, who are demanding basic employment rights including timely promotions, comprehensive medical coverage, and adherence to lawful labor practices concerns which, according to the union, are backed by a court ruling affirming their constitutional right to strike.
“Rather than addressing these legitimate grievances, we are seeing a pattern of coercion, including threats of dismissal,” Atellah noted. “That’s unacceptable, and we will not remain silent.”
KMPDU has now signaled readiness to mobilize nationwide solidarity should such threats continue.
“This is a moment for responsible leadership, not intimidation,” Atellah stated. “We will defend our members. If victimisation continues, a countrywide response will follow.”
The union leader also appealed to government agencies and stakeholders to respect the rule of law and resume meaningful dialogue to resolve the ongoing stalemate.
“The wellbeing of our healthcare system depends on how we treat the professionals who sustain it. To the public, we say: stand with your doctors. A strong, functioning health sector starts with respect.”
