Kindiki says ongoing doctors’ strike is illegal, deploys police to counter striking doctors

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has declared that the ongoing doctors’ strike is illegal.

Through a statement issued on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the CS said the Employment and Labour Relations Court had ordered the parties involved in the strike to engage in conciliation and negotiation proceedings within two weeks and file a memorandum of understanding on the minimum service guarantees in public health institutions.

The CS went on to state that the doctors continued to defy the mentioned court orders adding that the doctors striking have been intimidating and threatening violence against health workers who have refused to participate in the unlawful strike.

“It is noted with grave concern that the participants in the industrial action by health workers continue to defy the aforesaid court order and to intimidate and threaten violence against health workers who have opted not to participate in the unlawful strike,” Kindiki said.

“Gatherings, protests or whatever other action(s) in pursuit of grievances outside the law and in breach of court directives undermines the constitutional order of the Country and are, therefore, not permissible.”

Kindiki directed security agencies to use lawful means and resources available to prevent disruption of services and protect members of the public.

“Law enforcement agencies are directed to ensure strict maintenance of law and order to protect the general public and the health workers who have chosen to obey the court order by providing services pending the resolution of the labour dispute,” Kindiki added.

In response to the unlawful demonstrations called by health care providers in the country, security agencies have been directed to use all the lawful means and resources available to prevent any disruption of services and protect wananchi and practitioners who have resumed their… pic.twitter.com/ycnFg2fFj4

— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) April 9, 2024

The latest comes amid the ongoing doctors’ strike which has entered day 26.

The situation has continued to raise concerns across the country with religious leaders appealing to the government to intervene and resolve the issue.

Addressing the matter on Sunday, April 7, 2024, President William Ruto said the government was unable to meet the financial demands raised by the striking doctors.

Ruto said the country was already overspending on salaries reiterating that the government had no money to increase doctors’ salaries.

The Head of State further stressed that the country should live within its means to help reduce the wage bill.

“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. Our wage bill is 47 per cent of our revenue. It should be 35 per cent according to the law. So we are way above. We need a conversation so that those of us who earn salaries are responsible. And we can reduce our wage bill so that we can free more resources to create jobs for our young people,” Ruto said.