KMPDU Gives Govt Midnight Ultimatum to Release JaPrado or Close All Hospitals
- by HELLEN NJOROGE on Sunday, 23 June 2024 - 6:52 pm
Kenya’s health sector is set to face paralysis after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) issued a 6-hour ultimatum to the government.
The Union has issued an ultimatum stating that they would close all private and public facilities if Dr Austin Omondi alias JaPrado, a medical doctor who was abducted, fails to resurface before midnight.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Austin Omondi. Should he not be safely returned by midnight, we will initiate the closure of all public and private medical services to locate our colleague, stated KMPDU.
The doctor is reported to have been abducted while conducting a blood donation drive to aid injured protestors along Forest Road in Nairobi.
An image of Dr. Austin Omondi in his scrubs and an insert of KMPDU, Secretary General Davji Atellah on the Left
KENYANS.CO.KE
Dr Omondi is said to have been whisked away by individuals in a vehicle alleged to be ferrying government agents.
KMPDU has cited that its membership represents all Kenyan medical doctors with a membership of 10,000 across both public and private sectors.
The medics union also criticised the government for faulting the Geneva Conventions which protect medics and aid workers even in conflict zones.
KMPDU has further chided the government stating that it has failed to side with its citizens while implementing financial measures within the Finance Bill of 2024.
“Despite facing challenges, including unemployment affecting 4,000 doctors and 1,500 interns waiting for their licenses, we stand in solidarity. with the protests aimed at making the Kenyan government prioritize its citizens over international financial institutions,” stated KMPDU.
Dr Omondi’s disappearance has sparked outrage among Kenyans who have after a similar abduction case was witnessed on Friday evening.
Billy Simani alias The Crazy Nairobian is said to have been abducted from his house by masked individuals who took him to an undisclosed location.
The social media personality was incommunicado for the better part of Friday evening and Saturday before the Law Society of Kenya through its chairperson Faith Odhiambo secured his release.
