In a deeply disturbing turn of events, Kitengela Sub-County Hospital recently became the scene of an alarming act of mob violence, highlighting the critical vulnerabilities faced by healthcare facilities amidst public unrest. On a day already marked by nationwide Saba Saba protests, an unruly crowd stormed the hospital, leaving a trail of destruction and instilling fear among the very individuals dedicated to saving lives.
The aftermath of the invasion painted a grim picture: blood-stained floors, shattered windows, and medical supplies strewn haphazardly across the facility. In a twisted irony, the first person to break a window during the rampage sustained deep cuts and, in a testament to the unwavering commitment of medical professionals, received immediate first aid at the very hospital they had just vandalized. This incident, reported by Citizen TV Kenya, underscores a profound disregard for the sanctity of healthcare environments.
The mob, described as unruly youth, accompanied a victim of the Saba Saba protests. Their entry into the hospital was forced, leading to a ransacking of the premises and the harassment of healthcare workers and vulnerable patients, including children and pregnant women. Such an act is not merely vandalism; it is a direct assault on the fundamental right to healthcare and the safety of those providing it.
In a desperate bid for self-preservation, the medical staff resorted to extraordinary measures. To escape the wrath of the mob and ensure their safety, healthcare workers bravely disguised themselves as patients by wearing patient gowns. This chilling detail speaks volumes about the level of fear and desperation experienced by those on the front lines of medical care.
In the wake of this egregious attack, the health union caucus has issued a strong and unequivocal demand: round-the-clock protection for all healthcare facilities by armed police. This urgent call for enhanced security reflects the dire need to safeguard medical institutions from becoming collateral damage in civil unrest. More critically, the union has threatened to invoke Section 14 of OSHA, signaling a potential nationwide withdrawal of services if the safety of their members cannot be guaranteed.
The union's stance is clear and principled. They emphasize their neutrality, asserting that their role is to provide essential services to anyone injured, regardless of their involvement in protests or political affiliations. This commitment to impartial care is a cornerstone of medical ethics, and its disruption by violence is a grave concern for public health.
Beyond the immediate incident, the union also condemned the widespread police barricades during protests, claiming these measures restricted access to critical health services in various parts of the country. Such restrictions, they argue, impede the timely delivery of emergency care and exacerbate the suffering of those in need, regardless of the cause of their injuries.
