Doctors threaten demos from next week over Kiambu health crisis

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the union accused Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration of ignoring a return-to-work agreement signed last year and of neglecting the suffering of residents who have borne the brunt of the health crisis.

The union announced plans to stage demonstrations alongside affected families, including mothers who have lost their infants, saying it will mark the beginning of a nationwide campaign if the situation remains unresolved.

“A strike that was avoidable had the county leadership implemented the previous agreement. A strike that should not have gone beyond one week had the men and women entrusted with the duty of care of the citizens of Kiambu put the people above their pride and ego,” said KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah.

“Next week we shall start street demos, and we call upon the people to join us. We shall turn up with the mothers who have lost their children and their tiny coffins.”

KMPDU warned that if no action is taken within 14 days, the National Advisory Council will meet to sanction a nationwide industrial action in solidarity with the striking Kiambu doctors, adding that they would also present a petition to President William Ruto, signed by over 30,000 Kiambu residents, calling for his intervention.

“On Monday, we shall present to the president in Githunguri the petition signed by over 30,000 residents of Kiambu. If in the next 14 days nothing changes, we shall have our National Advisory Council meeting to sanction a national industrial action in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Kiambu County," stated Atellah.

“To the President, the people of Kiambu stood with you in the last election, stand with them now—they need you now more than ever,” said Atellah, who also called for the dissolution of the county government if the crisis persists.

The union blamed the county government for what it described as needless loss of lives, claiming that dozens of newborns and patients have died in recent weeks due to lack of medical services.

It claimed that 63 newborns had died at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital, a figure disputed by county authorities who insist the number stands at 58.

“Mothers, fathers and children have paid with their lives and limbs. Newborns in their hundreds have been denied a chance to feel the warmth of their mothers’ love,” said Dr. Atellah, adding that county officials were “busy disputing figures instead of fixing the crisis.”

“Governor Wamatangi, how many more babies should die for you to feel the pain of your people and act? Those numbers are not just figures; they represent empty chairs at dinner tables, empty baby cots and unused diapers,” the statement read.

KMPDU further accused the county boss of continuing to charge fees at primary health facilities contrary to national policy and of refusing to sign the National Equipment for Service Scheme.

“This is one of the only two governors across the country who have refused to sign the program meant to equip hospitals with modern equipment. He prefers to expensively procure them for obvious reasons,” the union alleged.

The doctors have maintained that they will not resume work until the county government honours its obligations, including timely payment of salaries, promotions, provision of medical covers and protection from victimisation.