In a recent development, Inspector General Japhet Koome finds himself at the center of a legal storm as the doctors’ union, represented by advocate Dudley Ochiel, vows to take legal action against him over his directive to halt the ongoing doctors’ strike and intensify police response.
The saga began when the Inspector General issued directives aimed at quelling the doctors’ strike, citing the discomfort caused to patients in hospitals and the public due to the ongoing demonstrations. According to the IG, the striking medics have become a nuisance, obstructing highways, public roads, and disrupting the flow of vehicles and people. He further highlighted instances where medics were observed lying on the streets and playing vuvuzelas, causing further discomfort to patients and the public alike.
The statements made by the Inspector General have sparked outrage among the medical fraternity, with the doctors’ union demanding a retraction of his directives before 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 14th, or face legal repercussions. The union argues that the IG’s directives not only infringe on their rights to protest peacefully but also fail to address the underlying issues that led to the strike in the first place.
In response to the mounting pressure, the Inspector General stands by his stance, instructing all police commanders to deal with the situation “soundly and decisively.” However, his actions have only fueled further discontent among the striking medics and their supporters, who see it as an attempt to suppress their legitimate grievances.
As the deadline set by the doctors’ union looms, all eyes are on Inspector General Japhet Koome and the unfolding legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the relationship between the police force and essential service providers in the country.
