Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has weighed in his opinion on the current doctors’ strike, labelling it as illegal. Kindiki referenced a court order from the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which instructed the parties involved in the healthcare sector dispute to participate in conciliation and negotiation talks within a 14-day period.
The Cabinet Secretary also mentioned that the doctors on strike have been using intimidation and threats of violence against healthcare workers who chose not to join the strike.
He emphasised that the striking healthcare workers have made repeated threats to disrupt services at healthcare facilities, interfere with the duties of non-striking healthcare workers, and disturb public order in general.
Following these discussions, they were to submit a memorandum of understanding to the court regarding minimum service guarantees in public health facilities.
However, Kindiki stated in a statement released on Tuesday that the Ministry has observed that those involved in the strike have continued to disregard the aforementioned court order.
“Gatherings, protests or whatever other action(s) in pursuit of grievances outside the law and in breach of court directives undermines the constitutional order of the Country and are, therefore, not permissible,” he said.
To this effect, the Interior boss directed security agencies to protect the public and doctors who are on duty.
“Law enforcement agencies are directed to ensure strict maintenance of law and order to protect the general public and the health workers who have chosen to obey the court order by providing services pending the resolution of the labour dispute,” Kindiki said.
Health workers had announced that they would hold a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi on Tuesday which will start from Kenyatta National Hospital to Parliament.
“Join us on April 9, 2024, for a peaceful demonstration. We advocate for our rights, full implementation of the CBA, and improvements in the healthcare system,” a notice by KMPDU read.
The head of State had on Sunday asked striking doctors to resume work and accept what the government has offered to hire intern doctors. However, the The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) responded and said they will not backtrack on the issue of salaries.
Atellah insisted that what they’re asking for now is what was agreed upon in the 2017 CBA after compromising with the government’s requests at that time.
