By Peter Ochieng
Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua has blasted president William Ruto, over the ongoing doctors’ strike that is nearing its fourth week.
The former Gichugu Member of Parliament (MP) wants the Head of State to ‘stop the arrogance,’ sit down and talk to doctors with a view of resolving the industrial action.
Karua said the demands by doctors, which include implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and posting of intern doctors, can easily be resolved if the president decides to take the appropriate action.
“Stop the arrogance of chest-thumping, sit down and talk to the doctors. You cannot say there is no money yet we see you splashing our money on luxury items. The tea alone taken at State House is enough to meet the doctor’s demands,” she said.
The former Azimio presidential running said Kenyans suffering in public hospitals and homes due to lack of doctors, are looking up to the president to ensure the strike is called off as soon as possible.
“It is unconscionable for the regime to continue splashing taxpayers’ money on non-essential luxury items like motor vehicles, new pavilions in Stat House and fancy umbrellas,” she added.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary Davji Atellah insists that doctors will only go back to work, after their demands are met.
“Despite government pressure, doctors’ salaries, anchored on CBA, are non-negotiable. We won’t compromise on fair compensation for our hard work. It’s unjust to target us for wage bill control while state officers enjoy hefty paychecks,” he wrote in a post on X, on Sunday.
His post came as reaction to president Ruto’s stand, that the country’s wage bill makes it difficult for the government to meet doctors demands.
“It is important for us to agree that we must live within our means. We cannot continue to spend the money we do not have,” said the president.
He added that the country is spending Sh1.1 trillion of the Sh2.2 trillion collected as taxes every year, on payment of salaries and wages.
Karua accused the Ruto regime if wishing hunger upon Kenyans, through the sale of fake fertilisers in the middle of a planting season.