The National Police Service has told striking nurses that they are acting in breach of the Public Order Act and they will have to be dealt with accordingly.
We further wish to inform the public that adequate security will be provided around public hospitals and that anyone acting in breach of the Public Order Act will be dealt with firmly. 3/3
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) February 14, 2019
In a statement, the Police Service also assured the general public that proper security will be provided around public hospitals throughout this striking period.
The statement comes a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered all nurses to report to work by February 15 or face dismissal by the county government and the Health ministry.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had instructed the Police Service to take firm action against picketers who will harass or stop nurses from going to work.
.. commanders have been instructed to ensure that those nurses who wish to resume duty do so undisturbed. 2/3
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) February 14, 2019
“The National Police Service wishes to inform the public that all the concerned commanders have been instructed to ensure that those nurses who wish to resume duty do so undisturbed,” NPS tweeted
We further wish to inform the public that adequate security will be provided around public hospitals and that anyone acting in breach of the Public Order Act will be dealt with firmly. 3/3
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) February 14, 2019
Last week, the court suspended the nurses’ strike for 60 days. This was after the Council of Governors sought an injunction to enable both parties to negotiate.
However, on Wednesday, the Kenya National Union of Nurses’ secretary general Seth Panyako maintained their strike is still on despite Uhuru’s threat to sack and arrest those participating.
“I have no mandate to respond to the President. If I do I will be overstepping my mandate. I urge our members to remain firm and fight for their rights. If there will be something otherwise we will advise them accordingly,” Panyako said.
The nurses from 23 counties went on strike on January 4 demanding the implementation of the 2017 return-to-work approach. This approach has only been implemented by six counties- Migori, Machakos, Kwale, Nairobi, Mombasa and Vihiga.