Azimio threatens to join doctors in strike if issues not resolved

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leaders have threatened to join doctors in their ongoing demonstrations if the government will not move with speed to unlock the current stalemate.

Led by Wiper party boss Kalonzo Musyoka, the opposition faction said they are ready to show solidarity with the medics in the streets if push comes to shove.

The leaders, who addressed the press on Tuesday, also slammed President William Ruto for dismissing the doctors’ call to have their terms improved.

“This regime is failing its citizens. We’re consulting, and if they do not stop this strike, we as Kenyans will be free to join...(because) the only language they (government) understands ni kuenda kwa mitaa,” said Kalonzo.

DAP Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa added: “Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has outlawed the strike, meaning beginning tomorrow we might start seeing teargas. As Azimio we’re saying it is their (doctors’) constitutional right under Article 37, and if this government instead of addressing the root cause, is going to use teargas and force against the doctors, as Azimio we’re ready to come out to stand with them.”

Kalonzo went on to accuse President Ruto of double-speak in the matter, noting that the doctors’ issues should be addressed immediately.

He further decried that as a result of the ongoing medics’ go-slow, most families have been left exposed and are now suffering.

The remarks come two days after President Ruto told off striking doctors over their demands on salary increment and interns’ allowance, saying the country is struggling with a huge wage bill.

Speaking while attending Sunday service at Eldoret AIC Fellowship church, the Head of State said the country is spending Ksh.1.1 trillion every year of the Ksh.2.2 trillion collected on payment of salaries and wages.

“It is important for us to agree that we must live within our means. We cannot continue to spend the money we do not have,” President Ruto stated, in his first direct address on the matter since the strike began.

“We mind them (doctors), we value the service they give to the nation, but we must live within our means. The resources we have are only sufficient to pay Ksh.70,000 for intern doctors. It is not a salary, it is only a stipend for one year then they will be employed.”