Striking doctors in the Nyanza region have told Council of Governors chairperson Ann Waiguru to stay off their affairs, urging her to refrain from issuing threats against them.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Western branch secretary, Dr. Sande Charo criticized Waiguru’s involvement in the negotiations, describing her actions as overstepping her bounds.
“I witnessed the Governor entering the dialogue with threats directed at the doctors during the meeting between the Union and the national government. She lacks the authority,” Charo stated.
Waiguru warned the striking doctors to end their strike and return to work promptly, cautioning them of potential repercussions for their actions last week.
Charo accused Waiguru of mishandling doctors in her county and asserted that she lacked the credibility to intervene in the ongoing discussions to resolve the strike.
Did you read this?
“She is among the Governors who have been obstructing progress in the health sector.”
Further, Charo criticized Waiguru’s track record of disregarding court orders concerning doctors in her jurisdiction.
“She has disregarded legal directives, including court orders and directives from the Public Service Commission,” Charo added.
He urged the national government to ensure that Governors who have obstructed efforts to resolve previous disputes with doctors are not permitted to participate in negotiations so that the talks can yield positive outcomes.
Furthermore, he supported Health Cabinet Secretary Wafula Nakhumicha’s proposal to review the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the terms outlined in the agreement.
The protest commenced at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, then proceeded to Oginga Odinga Street and then State House Road towards the Prosperity Building.
Dr. Steve Ndonga, the Chairman of KMPDU’s Nyanza branch, led the procession, with doctors brandishing placards and blowing whistles to amplify their demands.
Ndonga reiterated that they would only return to work upon implementing the CBA signed seven years ago, among other stipulated issues.
