The healthcare crisis in Kiambu County escalated this morning as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), supported by activists and hundreds of residents, staged a powerful protest at the County Governor’s office. Led by Secretary General Dr. Davji Atella, the demonstration marked a critical point in the 138-day industrial standoff, with the doctors demanding payment of their long-delayed seven months’ salary arrears.
The protest began with a demonstration outside the Kiambu County Referral Hospital before proceeding as a march. The unionists vehemently accused Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi of neglecting the health sector and deliberately refusing to honor the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) signed with the medics. They reiterated that the Governor must cease moving in circles and comply with the legally binding contract.
A grim visual element of the protest was the carrying of caskets by the enraged public and doctors, symbolizing the reported deaths of infants at facilities like Kiambu Level Five Hospital. The union and residents accused Governor Wamatangi of downplaying these tragic reports, suggesting he prioritized publicity stunts over addressing the dire state of healthcare services in the county.
Upon reaching the Governor’s office, the protesters were not addressed. Instead, they were met by a counter-group, allegedly sponsored by the Governor to physically prevent them from accessing the premises. Swift intervention by the police successfully saved the situation, preventing any confrontational incidences and ensuring the grievances were aired publicly and peacefully.
Escalating the dispute, KMPDU vowed to continue the protests until the Governor bows to pressure and honors the agreement. Dr. Atella announced further action, including the collection of signatures to petition President William Ruto to recall Governor Wamatangi. The union also threatened to issue a nationwide strike notice on the 24th of the month, which would see every doctor across the country join the industrial action if the Kiambu crisis remains unresolved.
Speaking in separate forums, Governor Wamatangi dismissed the entire demonstration, maintaining that the protests are entirely politically instigated and that the KMPDU is being used to advance rival political interests. Wamatangi asserted that he would not be intimidated or coerced into bowing to what he termed as pressure from a “certain quarter.” Despite the aggressive stance, the medics have publicly stated they remain open to dialogue to end the protracted impasse that has severely paralyzed health services across Kiambu County.
