The Kenya Medical PractitionersPharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have vowed not to be intimidated following the Thursday 12, Jail sentence issued by Judge Hellen Wasilwa. given a one month suspended sentence after they were found guilty of contempt of court.
Justice Wasilwa gave the officials given a one month suspension sentence after they were found guilty of contempt of court.
However, the officials said that the strike is subject to an end if only the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2013 is implemented.
The doctors had earlier refused to take 40 percent salary increment saying that the CBA was not only in favor of their welfare but also the welfare of the patients, which in this case, was not catered for in the government offer.
Doctors defend the strike
In their defense, union officials led by their Secretary General Ouma Oluga told the court that the officials had no powers to call off the strike as had been ordered without the consent of union members.
The seven KMPDU officials further indicated that their sentencing would plunge the health sector into further crisis.
“Punishing us will not address the issues in the CBA,” said the officials.
“We have responsibilities as officials, we are still negotiating with the government and any form of punishment will only make things worse,” said Oroko.
Judge Hellen Wasilwa, however, insisted that the issues raised before the court were grave.
“So long as the strike is on we cannot hear anybody,” said Judge Wasilwa.
The officials noted that the talks are still ongoing and if the said punishment is inflicted the government will have made things worse.
“We are still negotiating with the government so any form of punishment will only make things worse,” KMPDU official Samuel Oroko.