You Must End Doctors Strike, People Are Dying - Raila Sends Message to President Ruto

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has broken his silence on the prolonged doctors' strike in Kenya, urging both the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to find common ground to end the standoff. The strike, which has halted medical services across the country, has left many Kenyans without access to essential healthcare.

Speaking after an ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Lavington, Nairobi, Mr. Odinga emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the impasse. He called for a return to negotiations, urging both parties to consider the welfare of Kenyans and the importance of a functional healthcare system.

One of the key points highlighted by Mr. Odinga was the maintenance of medical interns' salaries at Ksh.206,000 as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2017. He suggested that adhering to this agreement could serve as a temporary solution while negotiations for a new CBA continue. By addressing this issue, Mr. Odinga believes that it could pave the way for broader discussions and ultimately lead to a resolution.

The prolonged strike has taken a toll on patients, healthcare workers, and the healthcare system as a whole. With medical services paralyzed, many Kenyans have been left without access to vital treatments and procedures. Mr. Odinga's intervention comes at a crucial time, offering hope for progress in resolving the crisis.

As negotiations continue, both the government and the KMPDU must prioritize the interests of the people they serve. Finding a middle ground is essential to ensuring the resumption of medical services and the well-being of all Kenyans. With Mr. Odinga's appeal for dialogue and compromise, there is renewed optimism for a swift resolution to the doctors' strike and the restoration of healthcare services across Kenya.