HEALTH

Akorino church urges Ruto to end doctors strike

The doctors downed their tools on March 14, and have maintained they will not call off the strike until all their demands are met by the government.

In Summary

•Prince Macharia, the Secretary General of the Akorino church, emphasized the importance of a healthy population in building a nation.

•Several attempts at conciliatory meetings have not succeeded in resolving the deadlock, as the union remains firm in its position.

The Akorino church's secretary general Prince Macharia (in a tie) during the meeting at Kiambu county.
The Akorino church's secretary general Prince Macharia (in a tie) during the meeting at Kiambu county.
Image: GEORGE MUGO

The Akorino churches of Kenya have urged President William Ruto to intervene and address the ongoing doctors' strike.

They expressed concern over patients suffering at home due to the absence of medical care in public hospitals.

Prince Macharia, the Secretary General of the Akorino church, emphasized the importance of a healthy population in building a nation.

He highlighted the global attention on how Kenya handles the medical professionals, given their recognition by various countries worldwide.

He was speaking in Kiambu during the general conference of all Akorino churches in the country.

Macharia also announced plans for a national prayer event scheduled for June 16 at Kasarani Stadium, involving multiple Akorino churches holding joint meetings.

"We are praying for the country, all leaders, and every Kenyan from all walks of life" he said.

"As of now, we are praying for our health department. We want the doctor's issues being addressed.  The whole world is staring at Kenya, to see how they will handle the doctors and the hospitals" Macharia said.

The doctors downed their tools on March 14, and have maintained they will not call off the strike until all their demands are met by the government.

Several attempts at conciliatory meetings have not succeeded in resolving the deadlock, as the union remains firm in its position.

A key demand revolves around the placement of medical interns, with the union advising them against collecting their letters despite directives from the government.

KMPDU chairperson Abi Mwachi said they were not ready to take the government offer, adding that the doctors in 2017 ended their strike based on promises that have never been met.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court stopped the strike on March 13 and ordered mediation.

But doctors have repeatedly rubbished the court orders.

While expressing the Akorino churches' support for the current government, Macharia also emphasized the importance of caution among government officials when dealing with matters concerning people.

He highlighted concerns regarding the alleged distribution of fake fertilizer, which has left many farmers uncertain about its impact on their farms.

Macharia urged President William Ruto to ensure thorough investigations are conducted and those found negligent are brought to court for prosecution.

A member of the Akorino churches praying.
A member of the Akorino churches praying.
Image: GEORGE MUGO
Some members of the Akorino churches attending their annual conference in Kiambu county.
Some members of the Akorino churches attending their annual conference in Kiambu county.
Image: GEORGE MUGO
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