KMPDU Issues 7-Day Strike Notice Over CEO Suspension
After Iqbal Khandwalla was suspended by the county government as the CEO of the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH), the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued a seven-day strike notice in Mombasa County.
According to a statement released by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah on Tuesday, February 24, all Mombasa doctors would cease operations once the strike begins, with the exception of emergency services.
Additionally, the union issued a warning that until adequate administrative protections are put in place, consultants’ clinics and elective procedures would continue to be suspended.
“While the County describes the suspension as a standard procedural step and assures the public of an impartial process, the circumstances surrounding this action raise serious concerns,” Atellah stated.
The interdiction of Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, CEO of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, by the County Government of Mombasa raises serious concerns about due process and respect for professional institutions.
— Davji Bhimji Atellah (@Davji) February 23, 2026
Dr. Khandwalla was interdicted without a mandatory show cause… pic.twitter.com/pmNLdoPyil
“Doctors are now willing to speak up about the conditions they work under,” he added.
“We shall not be silent as we are being used as sacrificial lambs in a failed system. We urge our fellow citizens to accord us a hearing.”
The Monbasa County Secretary and Head of County Public verified Khandwalla’s suspension on Sunday. February 22, after his performance in office was questioned.
According to the county administration, following a discussion about the hospital’s operations, the board approved the CEO’s suspension.
“The Board noted with concern a sustained deterioration in institutional governance climate and stakeholder relations affecting the Hospital’s leadership interface with the community it serves, and general members of the public,” the statement read.
“The County Government remains committed to strengthening governance, accountability, and public confidence across all County health institutions,” it added.
“Further updates will be communicated as appropriate upon conclusion of the governance processes.”
The union, however, asserts that the CEO’s suspension was driven by political considerations.
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They maintain that the suspension was not justified by any obvious evidence of a fully considered and approved resolution by the County Public Service Board.
Coast General leadership drama escalate as KMPDU alleges political interference in suspension of CEO Dr Iqbal Khandwalla. #NewsFixNTV pic.twitter.com/IanAxJDOhj
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) February 23, 2026
Additionally, KMPDU claimed that the CEO was the target of derogatory and tribal comments made in public, which led to a hostile work environment.
“Tribal and demeaning expletives were publicly directed at our member while on duty,” Atellah stated.
“No formal condemnation has been issued. No administrative action has been taken to safeguard doctors from political intimidation.”
KMPDU Issues 7-Day Strike Notice Over CEO Suspension
