By KPC City Reporter
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) is now demanding immediate protection for healthcare workers and the upholding of medical neutrality amid ongoing nationwide protests.
In a statement, KMA expressed deep alarm over the obstruction of medical personnel and the targeting of health facilities during recent demonstrations, including the June 25th Gen Z protests and the current nationwide shutdown.
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KMA reported widespread incidents of road barricades that have prevented doctors, nurses, and emergency responders from reaching hospitals and clinics.
These blockades have also critically delayed treatment for injured citizens, leading to avoidable suffering and potential loss of life.
Of particular concern, the association accused security forces of firing tear gas canisters at emergency field hospitals during the June 25th protests, an act KMA described as “reckless and dangerous.”
“These actions amount to a denial of timely, life-saving care,” the statement read.
KMA emphasized that these violations breach Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
They also contravene international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which Kenya is bound to uphold, as well as the Kenya Health Act of 2017, which mandates the protection of health infrastructure and uninterrupted medical services.
The statement was signed by KMA Secretary General Dr. Diana Marion, who called on the National Police Service (NPS) to guarantee safe, unhindered access for health workers during protests.
Police should also treat medical facilities, ambulances, and field hospitals as protected spaces free from tear gas, projectiles, or water cannons.
She also urged the safe passage of all injured individuals, regardless of their role in the protests.
KMA further called on the Inspector General of Police to issue clear directives to all officers to respect medical neutrality.
Additionally, it urged the Ministries of Health and Interior to urgently develop and enforce protocols to safeguard healthcare workers and facilities during civil unrest.
KMA also appealed to protest organizers and participants to keep access routes to hospitals and emergency centers clear, and to refrain from using ambulances or medical facilities as shields.
“Healthcare is not a target. Medical neutrality is not optional. Access to care is a fundamental right,” the statement said.
“The repeated failure to uphold these principles during protests is causing preventable death and suffering. We demand action now. The sanctity of healthcare delivery must be respected unconditionally.”
