KMPDU condemns interdiction of Coast General Hospital CEO, threatens strike

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has condemned what it terms as blatant political interference at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, following the summary interdiction of the facility’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla.

In a press statement issued Monday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah accused the Mombasa County government of bypassing due process and using administrative action to settle political scores, warning that the union would not tolerate what it described as the victimisation of its members.

Dr. Atellah argued that the interdiction was “procedurally defective and legally hollow,” claiming the CEO was neither issued with a mandatory show cause letter nor given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before action was taken.

According to the KMPDU boss, this contravenes constitutional and employment law requirements for fair administrative procedures.

“While the County Government hides behind a facade of "public interest," KMPDU views these maneuvers as a blatant display of political interference and a total abandonment of due process,” said Dr. Atellah.

“Dr. Khandwalla is a distinguished professional whose career is being sabotaged through a sham administrative process designed to appease political masters at the expense of professional integrity.”

He further alleged bias in the process, saying the interdiction letter used language that suggested guilt had already been determined before investigations began.

The doctors’ union chief also questioned the legality of the move, noting that disciplinary authority over county officers lies with the County Public Service Board, yet the decision was reportedly initiated through an online board meeting and later formalised by the County Secretary.

Dr. Atellah said the hospital board had previously attempted to undermine the CEO’s office, creating what the union termed “institutional hostility.”

Beyond the leadership dispute, Dr. Atellah said the county government was unfairly scapegoating an individual for systemic failures within the hospital.

He cited chronic shortages of essential drugs and supplies, understaffing, and operational gaps that have strained service delivery.

Dr. Atellah maintained that the CEO’s role is largely administrative and does not extend to clinical decisions such as emergency admissions or waiver approvals, dismissing accusations of neglect as “factually misplaced.”

KMPDU is now demanding the immediate revocation of the interdiction letter and the resolution of pending issues affecting the hospital. It warned that failure to act within seven days would trigger industrial action.

“We will not allow professional expertise to be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience,” Dr. Atellah said.