KMPDU: Intimidation of striking Kiambu doctors will lead to nationwide action
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced that any form of intimidation or victimisation of the striking Kiambu medical practitioners will escalate the industrial action countrywide.
In a statement on May 31, 2025, KMPDU Secretary General (SG) Davji Atella stated that the county government of Kiambu has threatened the striking doctors with dismissal.
“What has the Kiambu County Government offered in response? Illegal threats of dismissal.
Let us be clear: this is not just a labour issue; this is a matter of justice and public health,” he stated.
“Threatening healthcare workers for demanding their rights is not only unlawful; it is dangerous. Such actions compromise the integrity of our health systems and endanger lives,” he stated.
He has further called on the Kiambu County government leadership to cease intimidation, respect the court ruling, and engage in good faith negotiations to resolve this crisis immediately.
“This is not a time for tantrums or threats. It is a time for leadership and responsibility. The future of healthcare depends on how we treat those who sustain it,” he stated.
The SG also stated that medical practitioners across the country are following the handling of their Kiambu counterparts and are ready to stand with them.
“ We are ready to stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Kiambu, and we will not hesitate to act decisively to protect their rights.
Kiambu doctors’ strike
The doctors in the devolved unit began their strike on May 27, 2025, citing the administration’s failure to address longstanding grievances.
KMPDU officials, led by National Chairman Dr Abi Mwachi, in a hard-hitting press address, cited a lack of promotions of doctors as well as punitive actions against those who challenge the county as some of the foremost reasons for the strike.
“The foremost grievance in the county of Kiambu is the lack of promotion of our doctors dating back up to 10 years,” he stated.
“The second is taking punitive actions against doctors who raise concerns regarding their workplaces, such as a lack of proper equipment and a lack of medical cover. When a doctor raises such issues, they’re transferred arbitrarily.”
The union accused the Governor Kimani Wamatangi-led county government of dragging its feet even after being granted a 21-day notice period to resolve issues amicably.
“The legally issued strike notice granted the county a generous 21-day window to address and resolve the concerns raised by doctors through dialogue,” KMPDU Central Branch Secretary Bill Muriuki stated.
According to Muriuki, instead, the county administration waited until the eleventh hour to seek legal refuge.
“The county government waited until the final day of the notice period to rush to court in a last-minute attempt to block the strike by seeking injunctive orders,” he said.
“We wish to clarify that the court declined to issue any such orders, effectively giving doctors the legal green light to proceed with the industrial action.”
To prevent a complete healthcare vacuum, the union says it has activated a contingency plan.
