Striking clinical officers have condemned the killing of Rex Kanyike by police and vowed to offer medical services during planned countrywide anti-finance bill protests.
The Secretary General of Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) while issuing an update on the ongoing strike by the medics which is on day 84 regretted the death of the 29-year-old saying timely and expert intervention would have saved his life.
In this regard, George Gibore announced that their officers would be on the ground to assist injured protestors.
Kenya’s Gen Zs have declared seven-day protests to demand justice for Rex and also push the government to heed the plight of Kenyans by rejecting the Bill which has since sailed through the second reading.
“REX’s life would have been if there had been timely and expert intervention. In this regard, we shall provide and coordinate medical emergency response teams in all affected counties during demonstrations to ensure timely medical intervention and prevent loss of life” said Gibore.
He chided the police for alleged brutality meted out on peaceful protestors.
“Also, while Article 37 of the Constitution provides every Kenyan with the right to assemble, picket, demonstrate and present petitions to public authorities, we have observed clear harassment and battering of protesters by the very police who are expected to secure them as they exercise their rights,” he said.
“We condemn this use of excessive force and demand for the arrest and arraignment of the culprit” he added.
The clinicians also voiced their concerns on the contentious bill and the proposed budget cuts terming government priorities as misplaced.
“We are also displeased by the intended reduction of budgets targeting essential sectors such as health, education, defence among others following proposed amendments. It is a clear indication of lopsided priorities by the current regime” he stated.
