This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union Defends Ex-Senator Boni Khalwale ¶
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union Secretary General Ouma Oluga has come to the defense of ex-senator Boni Khalwale, who was involved in a stone-throwing incident during the Kibra by-election on November 8, 2019.
Oluga blamed the government for failing to employ all doctors, which he claimed led to Khalwale's actions. He stated that the union has been advocating for the government to employ all doctors to ensure that every Kenyan has access to medical care.
"It is very disheartening the humiliation our government puts Medical doctors through. This is the reason KMPDU keeps advocating that the Kenyan government must employ all doctors in order that every Kenyan has access to medical care and that they are not driven to such illicit activities," Oluga said.
However, netizens slammed Oluga for defending Khalwale, accusing him of defending every doctor, including those who are wrong. They dismissed Oluga's argument that Khalwale was unemployed and desperate, noting that the politician has been in positions of leadership for a long time.
Oluga maintained that it was his responsibility to defend all doctors in all circumstances, stating that Khalwale was a strong advocate for doctors at the Senate and championed for their grievances.
During the Kibra fracas, Khalwale was cornered by a group of charged youths while on his way to supervise the election at a polling centre within the constituency. His bodyguard's efforts to whisk him away were futile as the youths pounced on him and started throwing stones at him. Khalwale decided to return fire, leading to the chaos.
