Doctors In United States Demonstrate In Solidarity With Striking Kenyan Medics

• Members of the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) staged protests in various states in the United States of America
• In a statement, they said they were demonstrating in solidarity with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU)
• The USA medics said they are in support of the issues raised by KMPDU, among them improved working conditions for healthcare workers

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

A section of healthcare workers in the United States of America staged protests in solidarity with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU).

Why CIR/SEIU were protesting in USA

On May, 2, members of the Committee of Interns and Residents/CIR, a local of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) staged demonstrations calling for improved welfare for medics worldwide.

"More May Day solidarity! There is power in unity and CIR members from hospitals all around the country have joined forces today for global solidarity, as well for collective actions at their own shops," SEIU said.

In a statement, SEIU said they stand in solidarity with striking KMPDU members in the fight for justice and dignity of every healthcare worker.

"We stand with Kenya’s striking healthcare workers of KMPDU and champions of health worldwide, united in our fight for justice, safety, and the dignity of every caregiver," they added.

Why KMPDU wants to sue Kenyan government?

In another development, the secretary general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union, Davji Atellah, revealed that doctors intend to take legal action against the government for allegedly neglecting their concerns.

Atellah stated on his X account, on Saturday, May 4, that they intend to seek court orders on Monday, May 6, regarding the government's alleged negligence.

His comments came after a failed negotiation to resolve the strike, during which he spoke out against the government's attempt to force them to sign an "incomplete and one-sided Return-to-Work Formula."

What else you need to know about doctors' strike

• The clinical officers also downed their tools after the government failed to address their challenges.
• The union urged the medical interns not to pick their posting letters from the government.
• Atellah said that doctors could not celebrate on Labour Day as they lacked a reason to cheer during the national holiday.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke