|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Doctors Sue IG Koome Over Strike Remarks
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) escalated their strike action on Monday by filing a lawsuit against Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. This comes after Koome called the ongoing doctors’ protests a public nuisance and claimed they were not following proper notification procedures.
“The medics have become a public nuisance, blowing whistles and vuvuzelas during the demonstrations thus causing discomfort to patients in hospitals and the general public,” IG Koome’s statement read in part.
The doctors began their strike on March 14th, demanding the government fulfill a 2017 labor agreement and address the issue of unfilled medical intern positions. Koome’s statement, accusing doctors of disrupting traffic and failing to notify authorities, was met with anger and accusations of intimidation by KMPDU.
“We have already filed a lawsuit against the defamatory statements issued yesterday,” declared KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah at a press conference in Nairobi. He further dismissed Koome’s claims as “falsehoods” designed to silence their demonstrations.
Talks between the Ministry of Health, the Head of Public Service, and KMPDU have yet to yield a resolution. The doctors accuse the government of being obstructive in these discussions, claiming they are the ones effectively on strike.
Atellah confirmed continued demonstrations planned for Tuesday, emphasizing that proper notification had been given to the police. “Threats and intimidation will not stop this strike,” he asserted. “We demand a return-to-work agreement that protects the signed CBA.”
KMPDU is not alone in their criticism of Koome. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Katiba Institute, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) are among the organizations condemning the police chief’s remarks. They demanded an apology by Sunday evening, threatening legal action if not received.
KQ Suspends Dubai Flights Due to Flooding
Kenya Airways (KQ) announced the temporary suspension of flights to Dubai on Wednesday, April 17th, citing severe weather conditions and flooding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The airline cancelled both its scheduled flights for April 16th and 17th.
“We were forced to cancel flights due to the challenging situation at Dubai International Airport caused by the ongoing heavy rains and flooding in the UAE,” KQ said in a statement, apologizing for any inconvenience caused to passengers.
The airline emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation and are in communication with Dubai authorities to minimize disruptions for travelers.
Social media has been flooded with videos showing the severity of the situation at the airport. Footage depicts taxiways submerged under water as planes land. The airport was forced to temporarily halt arrivals on Tuesday evening, causing difficulties for passengers trying to reach terminals through flooded roads.
The heavy rains began on Monday, leading to widespread flooding across major highways in Dubai. Local authorities reported unusually high amounts of rainfall and heavy thunderstorms.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.