Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Calls for Medics to End Strike, Urges Compassion for Suffering Kenyans

Human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has appealed to striking medical professionals to return to work, urging them to show mercy and patriotism during the ongoing healthcare crisis. Ngetich, who has long advocated for the protection of citizens’ rights, emphasized the profound suffering of innocent Kenyans, who are enduring hardship due to the ongoing strike in the healthcare sector.

“We fully acknowledge the rightful demands of our medics, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They must be protected from both internal and external risks, paid fairly, and given the support they deserve in their workplaces,” Ngetich stated in a heartfelt plea. “However, we cannot ignore the growing suffering of innocent patients, many of whom are dying in the absence of adequate medical care.”

Ngetich called on the striking medics to return to their duties while negotiations continue in a peaceful and respectful manner. He pointed out that frequent street protests are not conducive to finding solutions and that both union officials and the government must prioritize dialogue over discord.

“The cabinet secretary and the relevant parliamentary committees must rise to the occasion and work swiftly toward a solution. It is time for the union officials to show sympathy toward the suffering Kenyans and encourage their members to resume work,” he urged. “No one should politicize this issue. The medics’ demands are legitimate and within their constitutional rights, but we must also understand that the country’s current economic difficulties make it impossible to meet every demand immediately.”

According to Ngetich, the government should explore more proactive solutions, including regular discussions between the medics, the Ministry of Health, the Treasury, and relevant parliamentary committees. He called for these dialogues to occur well before a crisis situation arises.

He further emphasized the importance of gradual adjustments in response to the country’s economic conditions. “We must accept the reality that the economic stability and performance of the nation cannot sustain every demand, and it would be unfair to insist on impossibilities,” Ngetich added.

The activist also called on the President to review the work of economic experts, suggesting that early and progressive salary reviews, guided by research on the economy and the cost of living, could have averted the current crisis. He expressed confidence that such foresight would have saved the government both time and resources, preventing unnecessary disruption in the healthcare sector.

In his closing remarks, Ngetich urged all parties involved, including union members, the government, and healthcare professionals, to adopt a spirit of cooperation. He reminded them that the situation is about human lives and not just labor disputes.

“This is a time for sacrifice, compassion, and unity. We must demonstrate maturity and patriotism,” he concluded. “Kenyans are suffering, and no one should die because of a strike. The cries of the people must be heard.”

As the healthcare crisis deepens, the call for calm, dialogue, and action grows louder, with Ngetich urging the medics to put aside differences for the greater good of the nation.