By Wasike Elvis
The Kenya Medical Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) North Rift Branch has issued a strongly worded condemnation of Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over what they term as gross negligence and mismanagement of the county’s health sector.
In a press briefing held in Eldoret during their AGM, the union's top regional officials, led by Branch Secretary Dr. Kamonzi Mulei and Chairperson Darwin Ambuka, painted a grim picture of the state of healthcare services in Trans-Nzoia County, accusing the governor of abandoning his constitutional responsibility to provide quality healthcare to residents.
"A Health System in Shambles"
Dr. Mulei expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions in county health facilities, stating that essential medical supplies are unavailable, and healthcare workers are operating under deplorable conditions.
“Every time I see Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya traversing the country, accusing the national government of inaction, I am baffled,” said Dr. Mulei. “This is a man whose own county health workers, particularly nurses, are on strike. As we speak, patients are being forced to buy gloves, syringes, and even basic medication out of pocket because the county has not procured them.”
According to Dr. Mulei, many doctors report to work only to find non-functional operating theatres and a shortage of essential medical equipment, leaving them helpless in the face of emergencies.
“It’s heartbreaking and professionally demoralizing. How can a doctor save lives without tools? These are not just operational failures—they are policy and leadership failures,” he emphasized.
Ambuka: “TAWE to Neglect, TAWE to Political Gimmicks”
KMPDU North Rift Chairperson Darwin Ambuka was even more direct in his criticism, calling out Governor Natembeya for what he termed "political showboating at the expense of the health sector."
“To my brother Natembeya, you’ve launched the ‘TAWE’ movement—but as doctors here and those in Trans-Nzoia, we are saying TAWE to the frustration, TAWE to the humiliation, and TAWE to the systemic neglect of our doctors,” said Ambuka.
Ambuka alleged that for the past three months, the county government has failed to remit statutory deductions, including the SHAH health insurance scheme for doctors, leaving medics exposed and unable to access medical services themselves.
“How can you expect doctors to treat patients when they cannot even afford treatment for themselves? It’s disgraceful,” he added.
Ambuka also criticized the governor’s growing presence on TikTok and other social media platforms, accusing him of prioritizing image over substance.
“You cannot be on TikTok every other day while your hospitals lack gloves, sutures, and even paracetamol. TikTok is not a hospital. Leadership is not performance art—it’s a duty of care,” said Ambuka. “You have built a grand hospital in Trans-Nzoia, but what’s the use of buildings without equipment, personnel, and drugs? The only functioning health service is the ambulance ferrying patients to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.”
Impending Strike Looms
The union leaders revealed that multiple attempts to engage the county government had been made, including written memos and meetings with senior county officials, but none had yielded tangible commitments.
“What we have seen is arrogance and a hardline stance from the county government,” Dr. Mulei noted. “We will not stand by as doctors are disrespected, unpaid, and unsupported. If this continues, we will initiate a strike—not just in Trans-Nzoia, but across the country.”
The union has vowed to mobilize its membership nationwide to push for accountability, respect for doctors, and improved working conditions.
“We are calling on all stakeholders, including the Senate Health Committee, the Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors, to intervene before this crisis spirals further,” said Ambuka. “This is not just a Trans-Nzoia problem—it is a reflection of what’s wrong with devolved healthcare in this country.”
Residents Caught in the Middle
Meanwhile, patients and residents in Trans-Nzoia have continued to bear the brunt of the crisis. With nurses on strike and doctors working without resources, many are forced to seek care in neighboring counties or dig deep into their pockets to access private services.
“It’s sad that in a county with newly built hospitals, we have to travel all the way to Eldoret for minor operations,” said a resident of Kitale. “We don’t care about politics—we just want medicine and working hospitals.”
Efforts to reach Governor George Natembeya for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication. However, sources in the county government have indicated that a press statement may be released later this week.
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