KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah gets union’s backing in Lang’ata parliamentary race

KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah gets union’s backing in Lang’ata parliamentary race - KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah has won the union’s backing for his Lang’ata MP bid, with leaders saying he would champion workers’ rights in Parliament. (Photo: X/Davji Atellah)

The union’s National Advisory Council unanimously endorses Atellah, saying his election would strengthen workers’ representation in Parliament and advance their rights and welfare.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has thrown its weight behind Secretary-General Davji Atellah’s bid for the Lang’ata parliamentary seat, saying his election would give workers a stronger voice in shaping laws that affect their rights and welfare.

Speaking to the media at Lake Naivasha Resorts, KMPDU officials said the endorsement reflected the union’s determination to have workers’ concerns represented in Parliament, where legislation affecting their livelihoods, working conditions and rights is debated and enacted.

The union’s National Advisory Council unanimously endorsed Atellah’s candidature, describing his bid as an opportunity to advance workers’ interests in national decision-making.

“The National Advisory Council of the most consequential union south of Limpopo, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, has unanimously and consequently endorsed the candidature of Dr Davji Atellah as the next foreseeable Member of Parliament in the constituency called Lang’ata,” a union official said.

KMPDU National Treasurer Dr Mercy Nabwire said the union wanted representation in Parliament to help shape legislation affecting workers across different sectors.

“As the leadership of this union, we have felt the need to have our voice at the table where legislation around every single thing that affects the life of a worker is made, and that is in Parliament,” Nabwire said.

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“We have decided that we are going to get our voice there.”

Nabwire said workers’ struggles were closely tied to social justice, arguing that their experiences and concerns needed to inform legislation and public policy.

She also criticised what she described as a disconnect between the political elite and ordinary citizens, saying the challenges facing many Kenyans had not received adequate attention.

Nabwire said the union believed Atellah would champion workers’ rights and advocate for access to quality healthcare, alongside other rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The endorsement signals KMPDU leadership’s support for Atellah’s transition from trade union leadership to elective politics, with the union hoping he will use a parliamentary platform to advance workers’ interests.

Atellah currently serves as KMPDU secretary-general, a position from which he has led efforts to represent doctors in negotiations over employment conditions and other issues affecting the health sector.