Catholic church faults gov't, calls for urgent solution to end doctors' strike

The Catholic Church has challenged the government to intervene and end the ongoing doctors’ strike.

The chairperson of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Archbishop Martin Kivuva has noted that Kenyans continue to suffer a lack of essential medical services, as the government and medics engage in unnecessary supremacy battles.

Kivuva spoke during the Episcopal ordination of auxiliary bishops elect Simon Peter Kamomoe and Wallace Ng'ang'a to the Nairobi diocese held at St. Mary's Msongari.

The Archbishop seized the occasion to speak truth to power, criticising the government for turning a blind eye to the ongoing crisis in public hospitals occasioned by the doctors' strike, saying the government has a responsibility to its people to ensure smooth service delivery.

"Right now people are dying in hospitals because doctors are on strike…it shouldn't be happening. Find a solution to it," said Kivuva.

The KCCB chairman also addressed the hard economic times Kenyans face, specifically the issue of taxation by the Kenya Kwanza regime.

"People are paying a lot of taxes.. we hope, please mind us. Especially those sitting in places of legislation. Some things are happening in the church. We will not go to the streets, but please do better," he stated.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the guests who attended the service, together with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

The leaders present challenged the church to continue being the voice of reason in the country, adding that they have a moral obligation to society to speak on issues affecting mwananchi.

"Continue to be the moral barometer of our country... I will be the watchdog to ensure the legislation we have is consistent with our cultures. We will not allow perversions that corrupt our morals," said Wetangula.

Sakaja added: "The contribution of the Catholic church in our country is one of immense value. schools, hospitals, university, leadership....when the church speaks we listen."

Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Kamomoe and Rev. Fr. Wallace Ng’ang’a were appointed as Auxiliary Bishops by Pope Francis two months ago, and they will assist Archbishop Philip Anyolo in the Nairobi archdiocese, which has 120 Parishes.

"Tuko na Shukran sana kwa maombi yenu. We continue to extend our sincere gratitude to the Holy Father for this appointment. We are also indebted to Bishop Anyolo and the clergy of Nairobi," said Bishop Kamomoe.

Bishop Ng’ang’a on his part said: "I thank God for bestowing upon me this grave. With a heart full of gratitude. I accept to serve in this great responsibility."

Ng’ang’a previously served as the Father in Charge of Christ the King Parish, Embakasi,  while Kamomoe was the Holy Family Minor Basilica administrator.