Operations Paralyzed as Kakamega Doctors Blocked from Peaceful Protest

By Strilus Bellbut - In a shocking show of force, doctors at the Kakamega County General and Referral Hospital were blocked from leaving the hospital premises during a peaceful protest. 

County enforcement officers, some armed with hoes, and police officers carrying teargas launchers stood at the gate, preventing the medics from stepping out.

This standoff unfolded despite the doctors exercising their rights under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which guarantees every citizen the freedom to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities, peacefully and unarmed.

The healthcare workers, all members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), were protesting what they termed as persistent injustices by the county government. Their demands include long-overdue promotions, lack of comprehensive health insurance, acute staff shortages, and unsafe working conditions.

“Instead of addressing our concerns, they’re intimidating us with tools of violence,” said Dr. Joseph Makomer, the KMPDU Western Branch Chair.

“When these matters are handled effectively, the result is improved well-being for everyone, including the governor’s own performance record.”

Despite the heavy security presence, the doctors remained composed. The armed officers’ presence was intimidating, but the medics chose not to escalate the situation.

Passers-by stopped to watch in disbelief.

“Does the governor of Kakamega County do what he says in public forums? Does he really care about the people who elected him? What exactly can he point to after three years in office?” some asked among themselves.

Dr. Kairi Sande, the Branch Secretary, stood beside his colleagues and echoed their frustrations:

“We are here to demand that the issues in our strike notice be addressed. It’s disheartening that the county government keeps making daily promises but refuses to meet us at the negotiation table.”

Dr. Dennis Miskellah, the Union’s Deputy Secretary-General, issued a strong warning to the county:

“We’ve received reports that goons were hired to disrupt our peaceful protest. Let me remind them—if the High Court found former Inspector General Japheth Koome personally responsible for police brutality during the February 2024 KMPDU strike, what makes Kakamega officials think they’re above the law?”

The strike follows a warning issued two months ago by Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers in the region, demanding permanent and pensionable contracts. They cautioned that failure to address their grievances would lead to a full shutdown of health services a scenario now playing out in Kakamega.

Attempts by Dr. Makomer and a group of doctors to seek audience with the governor have so far gone unanswered. The county government has not issued any official communication on the way forward.