The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) on Sunday pledged its support for the ongoing nationwide protest against the Finance Bill 2024.
In a statement signed by George Gibore, the General Secretary and CEO of KUCO, the union revealed plans to offer medical services to all affected counties during the demonstrations.
Gibore noted that this was informed by the untimely death of Rex Masai who lost his life after being shot in the leg and lacked immediate medical attention.
"In this regard and noting that Rex’s life would have been saved if there was 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," read part of the statement.
KUCO will join other medics who have been offering medical services to injured protestors in Nairobi and other parts of the country to ensure no life is lost.
Additionally, the union urged police officers and demonstrators to respect and cooperate with the medical teams on the ground.
The nurses, who have been on strike since April 1, pointed fingers at the government for neglecting the health sector and slashing the sector's budget. KUCO accused the government of misplaced priorities.
"We wish to remind the current regime that there is no country that attained its socioeconomic development without first guaranteeing health to their citizenry and that Kenya is no exemption," Gibore added.
KUCO emphasised that the Constitution granted each Kenyan the right to demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities without harassment. The union noted that some officers were beating up peaceful protestors instead of offering security.
The union condemned the murder and injuries inflicted on the protesters and demanded the arrest and arraignment of all those officers involved.
Since the anti-finance bill 2024 demonstrations began last week Tuesday, two people have lost lives while others have been injured. According to the Kenya Red Cross as of June 21, 39 Kenyans have been injured with 8 being in critical condition.
A police officer was also injured in the protests and lost both his hands. Police officers have been urged by human rights groups to avoid using excessive force when dealing with peaceful protestors.
