Embakasi East member of parliament Babu Owino has filed an impeachment motion against Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha. The motion accuses CS Nakhumicha of incompetence and gross violation of health standards, particularly in relation to the ongoing doctors’ strike.
“Pursuant to Article 152(6) of the Constitution as read with Standing Order 66, I wish to notify you of my intention to move a Special Motion for the removal of the Cabinet Secretary for Health from office on two grounds,” read part of the notice.
According to Owino, the strike, which began on March 15, has severely affected Kenyans’ access to medical care, resulting in loss of lives. He also alleges that CS Nakhumicha failed to uphold the doctors’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and instead resorted to threatening to dismiss the striking doctors.
“The CS has further failed to appreciate the seriousness of the strike and has failed to provide a lasting solution to settle the demands of the medics including the hiring of interns/ trainee doctors and payment of salary arrears,” the notice read in part.
Meanwhile, the doctors on April 3, vowed to continue with their protests after turning down a Ksh2.4 billion offer from the government.
Led by The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah, the doctors claimed the offer did not fully sort out the CBA reached in 2017.
Atellah termed the latest move by the government as impunity adding that they will not relent until their demands are fully met as initially agreed.