If you support doctors' strike, pay the money they're asking for - Ruto tells leaders

President William Ruto has called out leaders supporting the doctors’ strike, arguing that they are chasing popularity among Kenyans.

Speaking on Wednesday during the third National Wage Bill Conference at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, President Ruto stated that the leaders championing the medics’ go-slow should go ahead and pay them the dues they’re demanding.

He went on to intimate that the country has much bigger problems to address at the moment, hence dismissing the doctors’ grievances.

“If you support the strike then pay the money they are asking for. We must stop chasing what is popular, and instead go for what is right,” Ruto said.

“We have a doctors’ challenge. We can hardly pay them because we have said there are real issues we want to deal with. You have leaders, like Governors, who support the doctors’ strike.”

The Head of State further said that leaders should focus on making a difference in the country through service and leadership instead of striving to gain popularity.

“We must get to the point where those of us who are privileged to be leaders must be ready to lead, serve, and make a difference and not necessarily to be popular,” he added.

"The challenge we have had as a country is that we all know what is right. We have documented studies, programs, and resolutions, but when it is time to implement it becomes difficult."

Additionally, he called out leaders disagreeing with the closure of bars following the illicit brews menace, saying that they want favour among Kenyans. 

Ruto's remarks come a week after the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leaders threatened to join doctors in their strike if the government fails to resolve their issues.

“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 Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on April 9, 2024.

“If you are supporting the doctors’ strike pay the money they are asking for,” President Ruto tells leaders. pic.twitter.com/En6IukWIzp— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) April 17, 2024