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The leader of the Wiper Party, Kalonzo Musyoka, has strongly criticized the Kenya Kwanza government for its inability to address the ongoing nationwide doctors’ strike, which has persisted for over three weeks. The strike, initiated by medical practitioners protesting unresolved grievances, has left essential medical services paralyzed across the country.
Addressing reporters in Athi River, Machakos County, on Friday, Kalonzo, following a meeting with Wiper leaders, condemned President William Ruto’s administration for focusing on non-essential matters, such as the proposed reinstatement of Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions, instead of prioritizing the resolution of the doctors’ strike.
Kalonzo expressed deep concern over the plight of Kenyans affected by what he termed as the government’s misplaced priorities. “We are witnessing the loss of many lives. It’s disheartening to see doctors forced to strike. We urge urgent action to end this crisis and alleviate the suffering of Kenyans, including the doctors themselves,” he emphasized.
“Critically, while doctors are demanding their dues, the government is diverting attention to appointing CASs, offering them hefty salaries while neglecting the pressing issue of doctors’ remuneration,” Kalonzo continued.
He further emphasized that the ongoing standoff between the government and medical practitioners underscores the government’s ineptitude and lack of professionalism in handling crucial matters affecting the nation’s health sector.
“The demands of the doctors are not extravagant. Beyond addressing the grievances of interns, there are also numerous qualified doctors who remain unemployed despite years of training. Last year alone, the number exceeded 4,000,” Kalonzo highlighted.
Echoing similar sentiments, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti called for a collective dialogue involving the national government, medical practitioners, and the 47 county governments to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing healthcare crisis.
Ndeti conveyed her message during an Iftar dinner for Muslims hosted at the Machakos County Government headquarters on Friday. “Our doctors are on strike, and our people are suffering. I urge the national government to engage in meaningful discussions with the medical fraternity. We need to reach a compromise and find a lasting solution to this crisis,” she urged.
