NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 — The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called out for an immediate and unconditional apology from the Kithure Kindiki-led Ministry of Interior following Thursday’s attack on KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah by security officers.
In a statement on Friday, Atwoli castigated the attacks terming the conduct of the police unconstitutional since they acted unprovoked.
“COTU vehemently condemns the reprehensible actions of the Kenyan police in their unwarranted attack on Dr. Davji Attella, the General Secretary of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU),” he stated.
Atwoli noted that Atellah had engaged with the Kenya police to guarantee the provision of security for the peaceful protests thus calling out for a thorough investigation into the incident stressing that appropriate action should be executed against the officer(s) responsible for the attacks.
The trade unionist insisted that workers have a right to hold protests without fear saying the disruption of Thursday’s protest in Nairobi was uncalled for.
“Dr. Davji Attella was leading a peaceful procession addressing the delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees for postgraduate students – matters of critical importance to the healthcare sector,” he stated.
Atwoli pointed out that the attacks defy the International Labour Organization(ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which advocate for the freedom of association, collective bargaining, and protection against anti-union discrimination in workers.
“COTU (K) underscores the importance of respecting the rights of workers to assemble peacefully, express their concerns, and engage in lawful demonstrations without fear of undue aggression or harm,” he stated