The striking doctors through Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has hit back at President William Ruto hours after claiming that the country is broke to afford their demands.
Speaking through their Secretary General Davji Atellah, the striking doctors say that they will not accept to be the “scapegoats for wage bill reduction” and their demands still remain on the table.
According to Atellah, they will not back down from their demands and will push for what they deserve and will not accept to be affected by the wage bill when state officers get more.
Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence On Doctors Strike, Says Gov’t Is Broke To Afford Their Demands
“Despite government pressure, doctors’ salaries, anchored on CBA, are non-negotiable. We won’t compromise on fair compensation for our hard work. It’s unjust to target us for wage bill control while state officers enjoy hefty paychecks. We stand united against exploitation.”
This comes after President William Ruto told the striking doctors that their demands cannot be met due to the fact that the country is struggling with a huge wage bill and doctors will only receive what will be made available.
“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.”
Also Read: Gachagua Cornered In Rwanda, Forced To Explain Gov’t Solution To Passport Delay
However the doctors say that the strike is still on and will continue in its fourth week as services in various hospitals continue to be largely affected. Clergy and Workers union leaders have called for the government to sit down and negotiate with doctors to bring an end for the doctors strike.