Kithure Kindiki, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior & National Administration, has issued a stark warning to doctors participating in the ongoing industrial strike.
Despite a recent court order aimed at resolving the ongoing industrial dispute within Kenya’s health sector, the strike organized by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists & Dentists Union (KMPDU) continues unabated, prompting the government to issue a stern warning.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, April 9, Kithure Kindiki expressed concerns over the persistence of what the Interior Ministry terms as “unlawful industrial action’ and the accompanying threats of disruption to healthcare services.
Kindiki Directs Action Against Striking Doctors
“It is noted with grave concern that the participants in the industrial action by health workers continue to defy the aforesaid court order and to intimidate and threaten violence against health workers who have opted not to participate in the unlawful strike,” stated the Interior Ministry.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court had directed the parties involved in the health sector dispute to engage in conciliation and negotiation proceedings within a specified timeframe.
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The court’s directive also required the filing of a memorandum of understanding outlining minimum service guarantees in public health institutions.
Ongoing Health workers Industrial Action
However, the strike shows no signs of abating, with health workers adamant in their demands.
Kindiki’s warning comes amidst escalating tensions and reports of intimidation and violence against health workers who choose not to participate in the strike.
The government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, raised concerns over these developments, illustrating the need to maintain law and order to protect both the general public and compliant health workers.
Further, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration warned against any actions that defy the court’s directives, directing that gathering, protests, or any other activities pursued outside the bounds of the law and in contravention of court orders are not permissible.
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According to the Interior Ministry, such actions are deemed detrimental to the constitutional order of the country and will not be tolerated.
Consequently, Kindiki has directed Law enforcement agencies to ensure the strict maintenance of law and order.
Their mandate includes the protection of the general public and those health workers who have chosen to comply with the court order by continuing to provide essential services during this period of labor dispute resolution.
