Kiambu Governor Kimani Wa Wamatangi has faced scrutiny after suggesting to a Senate committee on health that the doctors and clinical officers in Kiambu are not on strike due to unpaid arrears but are rather showing solidarity with their counterparts in other counties.
Addressing the committee, Governor Wamatangi stated, “I don’t owe them anything. I’m paying them according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). After payment, they requested to join the strike in solidarity with their colleagues.”
The committee, chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago, responded by ordering surcharges for any medics found striking despite receiving their dues.
However, a Kiambu medic, speaking anonymously to Kiambu.tv, disputed the governor’s claim, stating, “The governor told a white lie. Only nurses and subordinate staff are on duty. Doctors and lab technicians are on strike due to unpaid dues. No one would strike for fun at the expense of patients.”
The Senate will investigate the governor’s remarks, recorded in the hansard, and may summon him to provide evidence such as payslips to substantiate his claims.
The strike has impacted patient care at the Kiambu Referral Hospital, with only 10% of normal admissions or treatments being carried out.
While the committee commended the hospital’s automated drugs storage and inventory system, they highlighted areas for improvement to the governor, including replacing broken beds and curtains, installing tap water in wards, and enhancing cleanliness in toilets.
Governor Wamatangi has been given 14 days to address the issues raised, while the Senate committee prepares to table its report on the tour to the Senate.
Senators Karungo Wa Thangwa (Kiambu), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), and Mariam Omar (Nominated) were among those who toured both the Kiambu Referral Hospital and the County headquarters.
