Doctors re-elect entire KMPDU top leadership for second term in decisive poll

All senior officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have been re-elected, securing a fresh mandate to continue steering the doctors’ union for another term.

According to the official results released after the poll held on Thursday, Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah retained his seat unopposed, signalling strong internal backing and continuity at the helm of the union.

His deputy, Dr. Dennis Miskellah Mbogori, was also re-elected after garnering 4,339 votes (69.64%) against his opponent Dr. Wendy Nyeera Kimbui’s 1,869 votes (29.99%).

National Chairperson Dr. Abidan Mwachi staved off competition from Dr. Deogracious Moses Maero Onyango and Dr. Benjamin Gikeri Magare to win back his seat with 4,149 votes (66.59%).

The Deputy Chairperson position was retained by Dr. David Kahura Mundia who won by an overwhelming 5,470 votes (87.78%) while his opponent Dr, Odiwuor Brian managed a paltry 30 votes (0.48%) even as 731 union members abstained.

In the union’s financial docket, Dr. Mercy Nabwire was re-elected as National Treasurer after defeating her challengers – Dr. Zaietuni Akajarot Mulaa and Dr. Caroline Gathoni Mwaura - while Dr. Renoh Achieng Omoro clinched the Deputy Treasurer position that had been vacant since the resignation of the previous office holder.

The outcome effectively returns the entire top leadership team - Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and National Treasurer - to office, cementing continuity in the union’s leadership.

The results suggest a strong vote of confidence from members, many of whom appear to have opted for stability over change at a time when the health sector continues to grapple with long-standing challenges, including working conditions, remuneration disputes, and policy reforms.

With a reported voter turnout of over 70 per cent of eligible members, the elections also reflect significant engagement within the union’s ranks.

The re-elected officials now face the task of building on their previous term, with expectations high among members for firmer negotiations, improved welfare for healthcare workers, and sustained advocacy in Kenya’s evolving health sector.

The elections were held after the Employment and Labour Relations Court dismissed an application that sought conservatory orders to halt the poll.

In its ruling delivered on April 1, 2026, the court found that the petitioners had failed to establish a prima facie case to warrant the granting of interim orders.

The judge held that there was no sufficient evidence of violations of the Labour Relations Act or the union’s constitution to justify judicial intervention in the electoral process.

The court further ruled that the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) overseeing the elections was properly constituted under the union’s constitutional framework, and that its extension of tenure had not been shown to be unlawful.

It also found no proof to support allegations of bias, lack of independence, or irregularities significant enough to invalidate the process.

On claims regarding the voter register and nomination requirements, the court noted that such disputes fall within internal union mechanisms, including election appeals, and should not be prematurely escalated to court without sufficient evidence.

The judge emphasised that courts should be slow to interfere with the internal affairs of voluntary associations unless clear constitutional or legal breaches are demonstrated.

Consequently, the application dated March 17, 2026, seeking to suspend the elections was dismissed, clearing the way for the polls to proceed.