Doctors across the country could go on strike from Monday if veteran obstetrician Job Obwaka is not released from police custody.
The threat was issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union, which says the arrest of the 83 year old doctor is unjustified.
Union Secretary General Davji Atellah spoke on Sunday, March 15, demanding the immediate release of Dr. Obwaka. He warned that if the doctor remains in custody past midnight, the union will instruct its members to stop working.
Atellah said the arrest has caused fear among doctors and questioned why a senior medical professional would be treated in such a manner.
According to him, the union will not remain silent if its members feel unsafe at their workplaces.
Dr. Obwaka was among four officials linked to Nairobi Hospital who were arrested on Saturday under unclear circumstances.
Those taken into custody alongside him include the hospital’s board vice chairperson Samson Kinyanjui, Valery Gaya, and former director Chris Bichage.
The elderly doctor was reportedly arrested at his parking bay at the National Social Security Fund building in Nairobi on Saturday morning before being taken to Muthaiga Police Station.
According to the union, the accusation against Dr. Obwaka involves claims that he falsified the hospital’s register of members. KMPDU insists that responsibility for maintaining that register lies with the Office of the Company Secretary and not with the doctor.
The union also maintains that he was not present when the alleged irregularities are said to have happened.
Atellah further raised concern over reports that authorities have declined to grant the doctor cash bail, even though the alleged offence is legally bailable. He said the refusal was reportedly based on unspecified instructions from higher authorities.
Meanwhile, lawyer Nelson Havi has announced that he will represent Dr. Obwaka in court on Monday if he is arraigned. Havi also called on fellow advocates to attend the court session, saying the matter is an important test of the rule of law in the country.
