'We are watching you': Raila tells doctors, gov't after signing return-to-work agreement

In a statement to newsrooms, Odinga acknowledged the pain that the strike occasioned on members of the public, adding that both parties should keep their end of the bargain to avert a recurrence of the situation.

"Our congratulations to the Kenya Dentists and Medical Practitioners Union on the successful negotiations with the government, leading to the Return to Work Formula agreed on today. We regret that this agreement came against the backdrop of pain and duress to the public, which could have been avoided," said Odinga.

The Azimio leader called on the government to draw lessons on the repercussions of failing to honour Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

"The government must immediately implement its commitment as proof that it has learnt lessons on the fault of intransigence and refusal to honour CBAs and court rulings. The health workers must also show good faith by honouring their side of the agreement signed today," said Odinga.  

He added: "We are watching and we will not hesitate to call out the party that betrays today's deal."

The Kenya Medical Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on Wednesday called off their 56-day long nationwide strike after signing a return to work formula with the government.

The doctors, who were demanding the implementation of the 2017-2021 collective bargaining agreement, signed a deal with both the national and county governments.

The government also committed to harmonising terms of service within 90 days in accordance with the existing legal framework

On post-graduate studies for doctors, the national government agreed to immediately settle all outstanding fees incurred by government-sponsored registrars' postgraduates from the year 2018 to date.

On the issue of intern doctors' remuneration, the two parties did not reach a consensus with the government side setting it aside because the case is before a court in Eldoret. On the other hand, KMPDU was insisting on posting of interns immediately per the 2017-2021 collective bargaining agreement.