BY THOMAS KARIUKI.
Doctors should call off the strike, the appellate court has ordered.
This will follow their engagements with all stakeholders in their negotiations.
The court of appeal also ordered that the doctors’ union officials to be released immediately.
The decision the court said was to enable speedy conclusion of the negotiations.
Judges Wanjiru Karanja, Hannah Okwengu and Jamilla Mohamed said negotiations will take place over seven days.
They were also tasked with coming up with a formula to call off the strike that has lasted for more than two months.
Private hospital doctors in a rare show of unity also notified that they will join in the strike to show solidarity with their striking colleagues.
Some private, mission hospitals and clinics across the country closed business on today in solidarity with doctors’ union officials.
Nairobi Hospital had said it was closing for 48 hours following the resolution of the Kenyan Medical Association on Tuesday.
The hospital, in a statement, said it was not admitting new patients but the admitted ones would receive care.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission will lead the negotiations. The Council of Governors has also agreed to take part in the talks alongside doctors’ union officials.
Officials set for release are Chairman Samuel Oroko, Secretary General Ouma Oluga, Treasurer Daisy Korir, Deputy Treasurer Evelyne Chege and other officials Allan Ochanji, Mwachonda Chibandzi and Titus Ondoro.
Proceedings will resume February 23.
POLITICS
Cord leader Raila Odinga has called for a commission to address health workers’ concerns amid a strike that saw doctors jailed.
Health workers want a CBA they signed in 2013 fulfilled for their salaries to increase by 300 per cent and conditions in public hospitals to be improved.
Raila, who is Opposition leader, said the establishment of a commission was the only way their issues will be given the seriousness they deserve.
“The health sector needs a body like the TSC or SRC to help deal with grievances like what we have experienced in the last two months,” he said.
He addressed doctors at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on Wednesday, flanked by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, following the Court of Appeal’s ruling for the ‘CBA 7’ to be released from prison.
Cord leaders joined doctors who retreated to the park after the order by judges Wanjiru Karanja, Hannah Okwengu and Jamilla Mohamed.
Raila said the government and other stakeholders could have settled for negotiations instead of effecting the month-long term on KMPDU secretary general Ouma Oluga and six other officials.
