A section of Kenyans has expressed frustration after nurses who gathered at Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku’s office on Friday, March 21, to submit various grievances were left stranded in the rain for hours.
The nurses sought shelter within the county premises by approaching the security personnel at the gates.
Reports indicated that security officers denied the nurses entry citing “orders from above”.
It was only after the rain stopped that the Health Minister finally emerged to receive their petition, a move many perceived as a calculated delay aimed at frustrating them
In videos seen by The Kenya Times, some nurses were seen taking shelter together under a tree as the heavy downpour continued.
Others could be seen leaning against the wall of the governor’s office, while some stood near the gate.
In other videos shared online, some of them could be seen trying to shield themselves from the rain by sharing an umbrella.
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Kenyans Express Frustrations as Kajiado Nurses Are Left Standing in Heavy Rain
Social Media users have described the incidence as inhumane, questioning why essential healthcare workers were treated with such disregard by a government office meant to serve the public.
A user, Samir Ridge, described why these selfless caregivers, who have worked tirelessly for the county, were denied shelter by imperious orders from above, with their pleas echoing against locked gates and absent officials
Another user, Nilote chimed in, stating, “You sacrifice yourself to serve your country in your capacity as a nurse, and this is the disrespect you’re shown? Those offices are built and maintained by taxpayers.”
“Is this the gratitude our frontline heroes deserve? Kenyans, shall we condone such egregious neglect, or shall we demand accountability?” he posed.
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At the same time, Sam Kiptoo opined, that unfortunately, nurses don’t even have a ‘strong union’.
“Hospitals cannot run without human resources, but politicians are building and launching empty hospitals. A motivated workforce is key,” he said.
On his part, Onesmus Mwangi wrote, “They risked their lives from lightning standing under the tree while raining, so inhuman treatment from the Governor.”
Cause of the Strike
The strike, which has lasted for weeks, is driven by demands for overdue promotions and the remittance of statutory deductions.
The nurses, who downed their tools on March 7, are protesting delays in their promotions, the county government’s failure to employ them on permanent and pensionable terms, and what they describe as unethical labor practices.
The healthcare workers had planned to present their concerns to either Governor Lenku or the County Health Minister.
The nurses’ union accused the Kajiado County Government of failing to attend conciliatory meetings convened by the Ministry of Labour, a move they interpret as a lack of goodwill in resolving the impasse.
Additionally, they claim the county has resorted to intimidation tactics, including withholding salaries, despite the strike being legally sanctioned.
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