Muslims in Migori on Wednesday gathered at Total grounds to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with prayers and a festive meal.
Dressed in their traditional worship attire, they filled the venue selected by the Migori Muslim Development Community.
Mzee Omar Ibrahim, the community's chairman, mentioned that prayers were offered for the country to resolve the ongoing doctors' strike and to create a favorable environment for business and economic growth.
“We wish and have prayed for the government led by our president William Ruto to help end the ongoing doctors’ strike,” he said.
Ibrahim noted while doctors have their constitutional right to strike, it has led to suffering for innocent Kenyans.
“We have Kenyans who cannot afford healthcare in private hospitals suffering the most and to help them we wish to have this strike to be ended,” Ibrahim said.
This is even as the doctors' strike which started on March 14 entered its 28th day on Wednesday.
They have since been joined by clinical officers, lab techs with other unions also issuing their strike notices.
This has left patients who rely on the public healthcare system in pain as they are unable to access essential healthcare services.
The health workers have maintained that they will not go back to work until all their grievances are met by the government.
Going further, he mentioned that they eagerly anticipate the new national budget to support economic growth and create a favorable business environment.
"Many businesses in the country are either closing or downsizing, and we want the government to ensure stability in the economy," Ibrahim stated.
In addition, Sheikh Issa Hamisi, a member of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), urged both the national and county governments to collaborate closely to enhance the business environment.
Additionally, the council called on leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to cease early campaigning, especially with Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union chairmanship position approaching.
Ibrahim noted that the campaigns have reignited political tension in the country, which had somewhat subsided after Odinga and Ruto decided to reduce demonstrations and verbal attacks.
“We had hoped that the end of demonstrations made the environment easier for business and elected leaders to work for us, we hope in our region ODM wrangles won't affect this,” he added.
