The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, has publicly criticized President William Ruto’s recent statement regarding the country’s financial constraints in meeting the demands of striking doctors.
President Ruto had asserted that Kenya’s fiscal situation was challenging, citing a burdensome wage bill as a factor hindering the fulfillment of the doctors’ requests for salary increments and intern allowances during their ongoing strike.
In a swift response, Owino rebuked the Head of State for his remarks, particularly highlighting Ruto’s purported display of affluence amidst the current crisis. Speaking in Homa Bay on Monday, the MP urged President Ruto to consider selling his expensive watches to generate funds for compensating the striking medical practitioners.
Owino emphasized that the government should prioritize addressing the doctors’ grievances, asserting that Kenya possesses adequate financial resources, especially considering recent hikes in living costs and increased revenue collection.
Quoting biblical principles, Owino underscored the importance of meeting the doctors’ needs promptly, urging President Ruto to allocate the necessary funds without delay to prevent further suffering and loss of lives.
President Ruto, during a church service in Eldoret on Sunday, reiterated the government’s financial constraints, highlighting that a significant portion of the annual budget goes towards salaries and wages. He emphasized the necessity of living within the country’s means and rationalized the government’s offer of a stipend for intern doctors, citing limited resources.
