The High Court on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, ordered Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome against the use of force against doctors on strike.

Milimani Court Justice Jairus Ngaah issued the ruling after 9 lobby groups including the Kenya human Rights Commission (KHRC) sued the police boss, arguing that the orders risked the lives of picketing medics.

“Prohibition restraining the respondent IG Koome or any officer subordinate to him from enforcing his decision of April 14, 2024, by striking the medics' right to strike and to picket peaceably and unarmed,” the court order read in part.

Justice Ngaah further directed the IG to investigate and hold to account any officer liable for causing physical harm to the striking medics. He further cautioned the police against issuance of unconstitutional orders targeting the medical practitioners.

“A structural interdict is issued directing the respondent (IG Koome) to investigate and discipline police officers who have violated the Constitution by using force on striking doctors contrary to 36, 37 and 41 of the Kenyan Constitution,” the order states. 

Justice Ngaah also ordered a probe into the incident that caused physical harm to Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Davji Atellah.

The 9 lobby groups moved to court after IG Koome ordered police on August 14 to use force on doctors picketing nationwide.

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, the police boss issued a statement terming the demonstrations as a nuisance to the general public and thus a need to use police to tame the medics.