By Michael Oche
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), has condemned in strong term the shooting of Dr. Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) by the Kenyan police.
Dr. Atellah was rushed to Nairobi Hospital for treatment after he was reportedly shot at close range by a police office while leading a protest over the delayed posting of medical interns.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of the excessive force used by the police during a peaceful protest by the union.
ITUC-Africa described the incident as “alarming”, “reckless and mindless provocation”, and called for those responsible to be held accountable and brought to justice.
“The incident not only contradicts the principles enshrined in the ILO Convention on Freedom of Association but also undermines the right to strive and engage in collective bargaining, as outlined in various international agreements,” ITUC-Africa general secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie said in a statement on Friday.
Odigie urged the Kenyan government to conduct a swift and transparent investigation into alarming incident, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice.
“We urge the government to reaffirm its commitment to upholding international labour standards and human rights, fostering an environment where workers can exercise their rights without fear of reprisal, he said.
He noted that the Kenyan Constitution and the International Labour Organization’s Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise explicitly outline the nghts of workers to form and join trade unions without interference.
According to him, these pieces of legal frameworks equally provide for workers’ organisations to carry out their activities in fuil freedom and without disruption.
He explained that the shooting of Dr. Atellah, stands in direct contradiction to these principles, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and respect for basic human rights.
He said, “ITUC-Africa stands in solidarity with the Kenya Medical Practctioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and calls for an immediate cessation of violence against healthcare professionals, emphasizing the imperative of respecting and upholding international labour conventions and human nights standards. It is imperative that the demands of the protesting medical workers be judiciously and expeditiously addressed.”
