The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) has threatened to call a nationwide doctors’ strike over what it describes as the unfair and mysterious arrest of officials linked to the The Nairobi Hospital board.
Union Secretary General Davji Atellah warned that doctors across the country could down their tools on Monday if the detained officials are not released immediately.
The warning came after union officials visited those in custody at Muthaiga Police Station on Sunday.
Release Dr Job Obwaka
AT the centre of the dispute is Dr Job Obwaka, an 83-year-old obstestrician and gynaecologist and a board member of The Nairobi Hospital.
According to the union, the veteran doctor was arrested on Saturday morning under unclear circumstances at his parking bay at the NSSF Building, where his clinic operates.
He was later taken to Muthaiga Police Station, where he spent the night in custody.
Speaking after visiting the doctor, Davji Atellah demanded his immediate release.
“Whoever arrested Dr Obwaka has to make him be released before midnight, otherwise we are going to ask every doctor that you are not safe at your place of work and we must stand against injustice,” Atellah stated.
Despite the union’s demand, the doctor remained in custody on Sunday night.
Other Nairobi Hospital Officials Detained
Two other officials linked to the leadership of The Nairobi Hospital are also reportedly in custody. They include Valery Gaya (director at the hospital). and former chairman, Chris Bichage.
The two are said to be held at Pangani Police Station, with no confirmation of their release as of Monday morning.
Arrest Linked to Nairobi Hospital AGM Dispute
According to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the arrest of Dr Job Obwaka is connected to a registration issue related to the hospital’s 2024 Annual General Meeting.
KMPDU, however, questioned the basis of the accusations.
The union said it had been informed that the doctor was being accused of falsifying the register of members of the hospital board.
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“We are informed that Dr. Obwaka is being accused of falsifying the register of members, a function that falls squarely under the mandate and custodianship of the Office of the Company Secretary,” KMPDU said in a statement.
The union also pointed out that the doctor was not present when the alleged irregularities occurred, raising concerns over the fairness of the charges.
“It is important to note that Dr. Obwaka was not present at the time when the alleged irregularities in these records are said to have occurred,” the statement added.
Leadership row at Nairobi Hospital
Lawyers representing the detained officials claim the arrests are tied to a long-running dispute over the control of The Nairobi Hospital.
Some have alleged that senior government officials linked to the Office of the President of Kenya are attempting to forcefully take control of the hospital’s leadership.
The claims have sparked sharp reactions from opposition leaders.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi had earlier accused the government of attempting to take control of the hospital.
Meanwhile, Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, alleged that the arrests were carried out on orders from the president.
“The arrest of Board Chairman Dr Job Obwaka and former Chairman Dr Chris Bichage, under direct orders from President Ruto, is absolutely unacceptable and entirely criminal,” Kalonzo said.
Doctors warn of possible strike
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union has warned that doctors may withdraw their services nationwide if the detained officials are not released.
The threat raises the possibility of a major disruption to healthcare services if the dispute is not resolved quickly.
