The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), led by its Secretary General Seth Panyako, has denounced Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha for her perceived role in the assault on Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), on February 29.
In a press conference held on Saturday, Panyako asserted that the Cabinet Secretary could have taken more proactive measures to prevent the escalation of events that resulted in Atellah being struck by a teargas canister.
Panyako questioned, “When we met with the Health CS, she assured us that she would accompany us to the Treasury to demand the funds. How is it then that she is implicated in requesting the police to conduct the assault?”
He further demanded that the Cabinet Secretary clarify her involvement in the attack on the KMPDU leader and elucidate her role in the police intervention to disperse protestors.
Turning the spotlight on the issue of delayed posting of medical interns, Panyako absolved the Health Ministry of blame, citing the government’s failure to disburse funds.
During his visit to the ministry, Panyako confirmed that the required funding for intern postings had not been received, placing the onus on the government’s inefficiency rather than the ministry’s negligence.
Moreover, KNUN underscored the issue of corruption within the government, attributing it as the primary obstacle to funding essential healthcare services.
Panyako warned of potential industrial action by nurses in solidarity with doctors if no disciplinary action was taken against the police involved in the assault.
Additionally, KNUN expressed discontent over the government’s withdrawal of the EduAfya program for students and comprehensive medical cover for civil servants.
In response, Nakhumicha clarified on Saturday that the assault was unintentional and reiterated that she had conveyed the same message to Atellah.
She further absolved her ministry of responsibility for the intern posting delay, asserting their helplessness in addressing the matter.
