According to the Police Commander, Kinondoni Special Zone, Charles Kenyela, the activists were detained following security intel that they were heading for illegal assembly at the Muhimbili National Hospital while carrying banners with messages intended to disrupt peace. He said this is a criminal offense and police would not let that happen.
Speaking to journalists after they were released on bail, Nkya said that what the police did was human rights abuse. According to her, they were in their car heading for the hospital to see whether what they asked the government to do during their demonstration the day before was being implemented.
The activists organised a city-wide demonstration on Wednesday 8 February to pressure the government to respond to the doctors demand and end a nation-wide strike that has completely brought medical services in almost major hospitals to a halt for several weeks. The government gave in to the doctors demands and services are expected to resume today.