Baringo Governor Appeals to Striking Doctors Amid Health Crisis

Baringo – In a heartfelt appeal, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi called on striking doctors to return to work and attend to patients in need, amid a prolonged industrial action over pay and working conditions. The request was made during the funeral service of Peter Kale, a lecturer from the Naivasha Dairy Training Institute, who passed away from pancreatic cancer and was buried in Kapkechir village, Ainabkoi Constituency.

According to Kenya News Agency, the current health crisis demands immediate action, urging the medical professionals to prioritize human lives over financial disputes with the government. He enlisted the support of the clergy to pray for the striking doctors, hoping divine intervention would guide them back to their duties. Cheboi emphasized the value of life over monetary compensation, reminding the doctors of their moral and professional obligations to save lives. “Money is not going to take you to heaven, neither will everything in this world, however much salary we pay you, it will not take you to heaven, it is only the fear of God that will take you to heaven,” he stated, highlighting the ultimate judgment they face regarding their actions during this period.

The Governor, alongside Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, also reminded the doctors of their commitment to the Hippocratic Oath taken before commencing their medical practice. Chepkonga echoed Cheboi’s sentiments, urging the doctors to resume treating patients as negotiations continue.

In defiance, Dr. Davji Atellah, the Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), declared that the doctors would not be coerced or intimidated into ending their strike, which has lasted three weeks. The striking medical practitioners insist on continuing their industrial action until their grievances are fully addressed by the government.