Leaders backing the doctors' strike have come under fire from President William Ruto, who claims they are trying to win over Kenyans. 

On Wednesday at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi during the third National Wage Bill Conference, President Ruto said that the authorities supporting the doctors' slow pace should pay them the amounts they requested. 

He continued implying that the nation's current issues are far more pressing, so he dismissed the doctors' complaints.



"If you support the strike then pay the money they are asking for. We must stop chasing what is popular, and instead go for what is right," Ruto said.

"We have a doctors' challenge. We can hardly pay them because we have said there are real issues we want to deal with. You have leaders, like Governors, who support the doctors' strike."

The Head of State said that leaders should use their leadership and service to improve the nation rather than aiming for popularity.

"We must get to the point where those of us who are privileged to be leaders must be ready to lead, serve, and make a difference and not necessarily to be popular," he added.


"The challenge we have had as a country is that we all know what is right. We have documented studies, programs, and resolutions, but when it is time to implement it becomes difficult."

He also criticized leaders who, in response to the threat of illegal brews, disagreed with the closure of bars, claiming their goal is to curry favor with Kenyans. 

A week before Ruto's comments, opposition leaders Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party had threatened to accompany doctors on strike should the government fail to address their concerns.

"This regime is failing its citizens. We're consulting, and if they do not stop this strike, we as Kenyans will be free to join...(because) the only language they (government) understands ni kuenda kwa mitaa," said Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on April 9, 2024.