The Azimio la Umoja Coalition announced on Tuesday that it will join doctors in staging a nationwide strike if the government fails to provide a tangible solution to the deadlock.
While addressing the press in Nairobi, Azimio, led by Coalition principal and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, stated that the government had failed to address pressing issues raised by healthcare practitioners.
“This regime is failing its citizens. We’re consulting, and if they do not stop this strike, we as Kenyans will be free to join...(because) the only language they (government) understands ni kuenda kwa mitaa,” said Kalonzo.
“Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has outlawed the strike, meaning beginning tomorrow we might start seeing teargas. As Azimio we’re saying it is their (doctors’) constitutional right under Article 37, and if this government instead of addressing the root cause, is going to use teargas and force against the doctors, as Azimio we’re ready to come out to stand with them,” DAP Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa added.
According to Azimio, the government must honour any outstanding Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) between the government and the doctors' union.
Aside from the doctors' strike, Azimio urged the government to address the fake fertiliser issue as soon as possible and compensate all affected farmers.
Azimio politicians also demanded the immediate resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and her Agriculture counterpart Mithika Linturi.
Azimio also took aim at President William Ruto after his remarks on the doctors' strike. According to opposition leaders, the head of state's statement was unsatisfactory.
"The ''Won't pay; can't pay'' parody that broke the extended silence speaks volumes about the regime's regard for our healthcare workers," Azimio noted.
"Finally, we are keenly watching and following the actions of the KK regime on these and other national concerns including the high cost of living."