11-month-old baby laid to rest as Kiambu medics’ strike persists

A sombre mood engulfed Turiru village in Gatundu North, Kiambu County yesterday as family and mourners gathered to lay to rest an 11-month-old baby who died last week at Igegania Level Four Hospital due to lack of medical attention. The incident happened amid a crippling health workers’ strike in Kiambu County.
The infant, James Muiruri, passed away in his grandfather’s arms as desperate efforts to save his life failed at the facility, which has been severely affected by the ongoing strike.
The walkout, led by doctors under the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), began on Tuesday last week, a move that has since been ratified by the court, which yesterday allowed them to protest over unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and punitive administrative actions.
KMPDU National Chairman Dr Abi Mwachi in a statement condemned the County Government of Kiambu for neglecting doctors’ welfare.
He cited lack of promotions, arbitrary transfers, and failure to provide proper medical cover and equipment as key issues that have long plagued the county’s health sector.
“We issued a 21-day notice to allow for dialogue, but the county failed to act. Instead, it has continued to intimidate medics who speak out against poor conditions,” Dr Mwachi stated.
Despite the mounting public outcry, county officials have denied responsibility for the baby’s death and accused doctors of abandoning their duties.
Speaking during the funeral service yesterday, Kiambu County Assembly Majority Leader Geoffrey Mucheke defended the county administration, insisting that all doctors’ dues had been paid.
Counter-accusations
“There is no justification for this strike. The county has fulfilled its obligations. Those who continue to boycott work are distorting services and putting lives at risk,” said Mucheke. He further warned that the administration is already recruiting new healthcare workers to fill the gaps left by striking medics.
Kamenu MCA Peter Mburu echoed the sentiments, accusing unionised doctors of destabilising health services and politicising the crisis.
“Public health facilities are not personal properties. We will not allow service delivery to be sabotaged under the guise of activism,” Mburu remarked.
The MCAs maintained that the local government has made significant strides in healthcare, including completing new Level Four hospitals, acquiring modern medical equipment, and improving drug supplies across facilities.