Medics for Kenya, a group of health practitioners formed to provide emergency services during anti-tax protests in Kenya, has announced the withdrawal of their services. The body, which included members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), had joined the protests to attend to medical emergencies.
The volunteer group, consisting of doctors, nurses, clinical officers, psychologists, nutritionists, paramedics, interns, and students, set up medical camps in Nairobi and other towns to treat injured protesters. Ambulances were also on standby for patients requiring referral care.
However, Medics for Kenya has now decided to withdraw their services during protests due to the recent violence that has marred the demonstrations.
“With the change in maandamano atmosphere and the deployment of goons, we as Medics For Kenya, highly value the lives of our volunteers. As we say in the corridors of hospitals, ‘Your Safety Comes First’. Therefore, it is with much regret and pain that we announce MedicsForKenya will withdraw their medical camp services all across the country,” the body said in a statement on Tuesday.
The body’s co-founder, Dr. Austin Omondi added that its hotlines will remain open, and will coordinate services between emergency response providers and hospitals. ‘
In Nairobi, the medical camps had been set up in places such as Jamia Mosque, All Saints Cathedral and Holy Family Basilica.
Changing face of protest
What began as a peaceful protest on June 11, 2024, has escalated into violence-filled demonstrations, marked by excessive use of force by police officers. On Tuesday, clashes occurred between protesters and business owners in towns such as Nairobi and Mombasa.
In Nairobi, business operators were seen holding clubs, intending to protect their businesses from looters. A similar incident occurred in Mombasa, where the owner of Qaffee Point Hotel clashed with demonstrators, resulting in the business owner shooting at the protesters and injuring two people.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reported that other criminals took advantage of the protests to accost and mug passersby on major roads.
“DCI teams have been dispatched to pursue gang members recorded by concerned citizens violently robbing innocent Kenyans on the roads, while taking advantage of the ongoing demonstrations,” the DCI says, vowing to catch those involved in the criminal activities.
