Members of the Kiambu County Assembly have threatened to impeach Governor Kimani Wamatangi if he fails to end the ongoing doctors’ strike that has crippled healthcare services.

The ultimatum, issued on October 14, 2025, follows reports of more than 150 newborn deaths in county hospitals since the industrial action began four months ago, drawing national attention to the worsening situation.

Ultimatum

Muguga MCA Kamau Thumbi accused the governor of inaction despite the county’s strong revenue base. “We really do not have the agenda of impeaching the governor if he cannot take care of Kiambu children, if he cannot take care of lives, while we pay taxes duly; we have over 5.4 billion that was paid last year,” Thumbi said.

He urged Wamatangi to engage doctors in dialogue and warned that the crisis could trigger an impeachment process.

Nominated MCA Susan Mburu criticised the governor’s handling of the crisis, accusing him of downplaying the death toll and ignoring repeated calls for accountability. She referenced earlier attempts to impeach the governor, which were abandoned after public sympathy swayed in his favour.

Doctors’ strike

The strike, now in its 131st day, stems from unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and alleged defiance of court orders by the county administration. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has documented 154 neonatal deaths across Kiambu and Thika Level 5 hospitals, attributing them to understaffed wards run by inexperienced interns.

KMPDU Central Kenya regional secretary Bill Muriuki said the deaths reflect the dangers of leaving critical units in the hands of unqualified personnel. KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah joined striking doctors during an October 13 demonstration, accusing the county of neglect and announcing the collection of signatures for Wamatangi’s removal.

National pressure builds

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has publicly criticised the governor, calling for urgent intervention and vowing legal action on behalf of affected families.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged President William Ruto to intervene, blaming the prolonged strike on the county’s failure to engage with doctors. He contrasted Kiambu’s situation with Nairobi County, which resolved a similar dispute swiftly.

The county, through Health Chief Officer Patrick Nyagah, maintains that hospitals remain operational with a significant number of doctors at work. However, the Ministry of Health’s redeployment of 697 interns and increasing referrals to Kenyatta National Hospital point to mounting pressure on the health system.