- "The government must immediately implement its commitment as proof that it has learnt lessons on the fault of intransigence."
- "The health workers must also show good faith by honoring their side of the agreement signed," he said.
Image: FILE
Azimio Leader Raila Odinga has commended doctors for reaching an agreement with the government, effectively bringing an end to the 52-week strike.
Raila in a statement on Thursday however expressed regret that the agreement came against the backdrop of pain and duress to the public, which he said could have been avoided.
"Our congratulations to the Kenya Dentists and Medical Practitioners Union on the successful negotiations with the government, leading to the Return to Work Formula," he said.
"We are glad that two parties were able to find common ground and end the long-running dispute."
Raila highlighted the importance of both parties to honouring the deal.
"Now every side must keep its side of the bargain. The government must immediately implement its commitment as proof that it has learnt lessons on the fault of intransigence and refusal to honour CBAs and court rulings.
"The health workers must also show good faith by honoring their side of the agreement signed," he said.
Raila said he would not hesitate to call out the parties in case they betray the deal.
The government on Wednesday struck a deal with doctors to end the medic's two-month strike that had disrupted operations across public hospitals.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union on signed the return-to-work formula agreement.
The Health Ministry announced on Wednesday evening that they had reached a deal with the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union and that officials had signed an agreement for a return-to-work formula.
"After 56 days, KMPDU signs agreement, ending nationwide doctors' strike," the ministry said.
The agreement followed a court directive that had given the parties 48 hours to reach a deal failing which the matter would be canvassed and determined in court.
On Wednesday when the parties appeared before Employment and Labour Relations Court judge Byram Ongaya, lawyers representing both side said they were close to inching the deal.
Lawyer Ochieng Oduol representing the Attorney General said they had made progress and filed in court two reports.
One was the return to work formula between the government and the doctor's union and the other between the county governments and the union.
"As you can see, the parties have agreed, signifying the agreement and we request the court that we come back before you at 4.30 pm, parties are finalising the final documents in terms of editing and we will file the final document as an all-round return to work formula pursuant to the strike notice," Oduol said.
Lawyer Edgar Washika for KMPDU confirmed that parties were engaged in a fruitful process.