The Kenya Medical Association has condemned the obstruction of healthcare services and attacks on medical personnel and facilities during recent anti-government protests, warning that such violations are putting lives at risk and breaching both national and international law.

In a statement issued on Monday, KMA Secretary General Diana Marion said the organisation was deeply disturbed by the repeated targeting of healthcare workers and medical sites, particularly during the June 25 Gen Z demonstrations and the countrywide protests held on July 7.

“We have seen deliberate blockades on major roads that stop doctors and nurses from reaching their workplaces. People who are injured during the protests are being denied emergency care because ambulances and medics cannot get through,” Marion said

She revealed that emergency field hospitals were attacked during the June 25 protests, with tear gas canisters fired directly at them by security forces, endangering both patients and medical staff.

“These actions are reckless, dangerous and completely unacceptable,” she said.

According to KMA, the continued obstruction of health services during protests amounts to a violation of Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

The group added that as a signatory to the Geneva Conventions, Kenya is obligated to uphold medical neutrality,  a principle that protects health workers and ensures patients receive care even during times of unrest.

“The health system is being treated like a casualty of the protests,” said Marion. “This is not just wrong, it is illegal and inhumane.”

KMA also cited violations of the Kenya Health Act 2017, WHO guidelines, and global medical ethics, all of which call for protection of health workers and facilities.

In their statement, KMA repeated demands they had first made in June 2024 — but which they say have been ignored. They are now insisting on immediate action by the National Police Service, the Interior Ministry, and the Ministry of Health to stop these violations.

The doctors want police to allow health workers to move freely during protests and to stop using force near medical sites or vehicles. They are also calling for the protection of field hospitals and ambulances, and for security officers who obstruct or attack health personnel to be held accountable.

“We demand that the Inspector General issues clear orders to police officers to respect medical neutrality and to protect health workers and patients during protests,” KMA said.

The group further asked the Interior and Health ministries to urgently create and enforce strong protocols to ensure safety of medics and uninterrupted emergency services during demonstrations.

The association also appealed to protest organisers and participants to avoid blocking medical vehicles or using health workers and facilities as shields. “Respect those who are trying to save lives. Let ambulances through. Let doctors do their job,” Marion said.

In conclusion, the association reminded all parties that access to healthcare is a basic right and must never be compromised, no matter the political or social situation.

“Healthcare is not a target. Medical neutrality is not optional. Lives are being lost unnecessarily, and this must stop,” KMA noted.