Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition party has issued a stark ultimatum to the Kenya Kwanza government, threatening to join striking healthcare workers in street demonstrations if their demands are not met promptly.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 9, the coalition demanded immediate action from the government to address the grievances raised by doctors, whose strike has left the healthcare sector paralyzed.
“AZIMIO LA UMOJA ONE KENYA COALITION STATEMENT ON THE DOCTORS STRIKE AND FAKE FERTILIZER SCAM.”
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) April 9, 2024
“Failure by the KK regime to immediately resolve the health crisis; compensate the farmers for their loss in the fake fertilizer scam; resignation of the Cabinet Secretaries for… pic.twitter.com/lNutW2yGA2
The coalition highlighted the urgent need for the government to resolve the ongoing health crisis, compensate farmers affected by the fake fertilizer scam, and call for the resignation of the Cabinet Secretaries for Health and Agriculture.
“Failure by the KK regime to immediately resolve the health crisis; compensate the farmers for their loss in the fake fertilizer scam; resignation of the Cabinet Secretaries for Health and Agriculture… we will not hesitate to join striking healthcare workers on the streets,” the statement by Azimio read.
Doctors’ strike
The threat comes amidst the continuation of a nationwide strike initiated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on March 14, 2024, which has now entered its 26th day.
Led by Secretary-General Davji Atellah, a section of doctors took to the streets on Tuesday, April 9 in peaceful demonstrations, bringing traffic to a standstill around Afya House as they held placards advocating for their rights and improved healthcare standards.
“KMPDU extends a nationwide invitation to all Doctors, Medical Interns, and Medical Students to join us in peaceful demonstrations on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Let’s unite our voices to advocate for the rights of doctors and strive for improved healthcare standards for Kenyans,” KMPDU stated.
The strike was initiated to compel the government to honour the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2017 and address various other grievances, including the delayed posting of interns, fair remuneration of interns, postgraduate training, employment of more doctors, and comprehensive health coverage for medics.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the government has cited financial constraints as the reason for its inability to meet the demands of the striking healthcare workers.
Police presence at the demonstrations was reportedly heightened, acting on orders from Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki to maintain order and prevent any potential disturbances.
