The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has threatened to join doctors in staging nationwide protests as a call to the Kenya Kwanza government to solve ongoing crisis in the country.
Led by the Coalition principal Kalonzo Musyoka, Azimio on April 9, 2024, made demands to the government concerning various issues including the ongoing doctor’s strike, fake fertilizer scandal and the high cost of living.
“We demand that the government and all relevant parties to immediately engage in meaningful and transparent dialogue with the striking doctors to find a long-term solution to the ongoing crisis,” read part of the statement.
The coalition noted that it would be mobilizing Kenyans in exercising their rights to demonstrate if their demands were not met.
“Azimio will not hesitate to join the already striking workers on the streets and mobilize Kenyans in exercising their rights to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition,” read part of the statement.
Demands for Resignation of CSs
Among the demands issued include the compensation of farmers by the government for their losses in the fake fertilizer scam and the immediate resignation of several Cabinet Secretaries.
Also Read: Ruto Explains Why Govt Won’t Offer New Deal to Doctors
The coalition called for the resignations of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and her Agriculture counterpart Mithika Linturi.
According to the statement, Nakhumicha is accused of gross incompetency and mishandling of the doctor’s strike.
CS Linturi on the other hand was accused of policy failure and negligence in handling the fertilizer issue.
As such, the coalition claimed that the government failed to address pressing issues raised by healthcare practitioners.
“Azimio expresses solidarity with Kenya’s striking doctors and healthcare workers and asks for a quick settlement to the ongoing strike so that all Kenyans can receive quality medical services,” read part of the statement.
Azimio on Doctors’ Strike
The opposition further challenged President William Ruto to demonstrate his pre-election commitment to the health sector by allocating adequate resources to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals.
Further, the Kenya Kwanza government was asked to honor any outstanding Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Also Read: Why Doctors Rejected Multi-Billion Deal for Interns
“They must also invest in the necessary infrastructure and medical supplies to improve the country’s healthcare services,” the statement adds.
While addressing austerity measures, the coalition noted that the Kenya Kwanza government should fully support the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
According to Azimio, the report recommends the reduction of travel budget by fifty percent (50%) among other recommendations.
At the same time, the coalition also addressed the reintroduction of the Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) into the Public Service urging President Ruto to shelve it.
According to the opposition, the government should shelve the reintroduction and adopt a zero- based budgeting approach to enhance accountability and reduce wastages, corruption, and theft of public money.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2023 led anti-government demonstrations to protest the high cost of living and electoral injustices which led to an economic shutdown.
During the same period, Nairobi was the most hit, with businesses remaining closed.
