James Murimi @PeopleDailyKe
Orange Democratic Movement MPs have demanded the recall of Parliament from recess to deliberate on the ongoing health workers’ strike.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings yesterday, the MPs led by Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) said a joint plenary of the National Assembly and Senate should be held to find a permanent solution to the impasse and avert more deaths.
“If there is a reason that would warrant the recall of Parliament, it is this one and we demand that it is done urgently,” said Wandayi. Doctors and nurses started a nationwide strike on Monday, with patients bearing the brunt of the crisis.
At least 10 deaths have been reported in various public hospitals as the strike bites. Negotiations between doctors and nurses unions and the government have not borne fruit. Wandayi said counties should be allocated adequate funds to comfortably manage the devolved health sector.
He also called for a fresh and comprehensive costing of the health function by Parliament. The Opposition MPs accused the government of rushing to decentralise the critical sector without allocating funds commensurate with its functions.
He was accompanied by MPs James Nyikal (Seme), Florence Mutua (Busia Women’s Rep), Fred Outa (Nyando), Raphael Otaalo (Lurambi) and Zulekha Hassan (Nominated).
“We stand with the health workers. We need to stress the fact that what the health workers are demanding is justified. We demand action today, not a day longer,” said the MPs. They challenged President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to address the matter to save Kenyans from further anguish.
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