Kakamega senator Bonny Khalwale joined nurses who were demonstrating demanding that their grievances be settled by the county government of Kakamega. The nurses, their union leaders and Dr. Khalwale danced and sang songs from the Kakamega county hospital mortuary all the way to the office of the governor in a bid to sought out their issues.
At the hospital, Khalwale was disappointed after noticing that wards were empty and there was no sign of health services being offered. Khalwale said that he had confirmed his fears and thus wanted to talk to the governor to halt the strike that is impacting residents heavily.
He revealed that since the beginning of the nurses strike on Monday, four mothers have been confirmed dead. Three who had gone to deliver at the Malava sub-county hospital while one a clinical officer who during birth at Butere sub-county hospital, ruptured her uterus and passed on as she was being rushed to St. Mary’s hospital in Mumias.
Khalwale said that it is sad to see people loose lives while leaders are politically engaged elsewhere. He termed governor Oparanya’s decision not to address the issue as cowardice and assured the nurses and the residents that he will look for him wherever he is to ensure that the demands of the nurses are met and duties resume in public hospitals.
At the county headquarters, Khalwale and the nurses were denied access for hours forcing him to address the residents along the road. His address was however cut short after police officers claimed that the demonstration was not legal and ordered him to stop.
Nurses demands include promotions, better working conditions among others.
Through their union leaders led by the county secretary general Renson Bulunya, they have vowed not to go back to work unless the issues are addressed fully.
Meanwhile, the Kakamega county health department has declared vacant positions for nurses who are on strike and have advertised for any interested and qualified candidates to apply.
The health CEC Penina Mukabane warned that the strike was illegal and whoever would participate will carry individual responsibilities.
Mukabane says that they have already settled earlier demands by the nurses and are working on others and thus does not see the reason for a nurse to go on strike.