Doctors staged a protest at Afya House on Friday March 22, demanding the immediate posting of interns. Holding banners and blowing whistles, the doctors filled the streets chanting, singing, and shouting to air their grievances.
Their primary demands included the immediate posting of medical interns and the settlement of basic salary arrears in accordance with the 2017 collective bargaining agreement.
Chanting “Nakhumicha must go!” the doctors marched from Kenyatta National Hospital and down to Hospital Road as the strike enters the ninth day. Clad in their traditional work attire of white coats and blue surgical caps, they declared their refusal to return to work until their demands were met.
As they moved in unison along the busy road, the doctors danced to different tunes, most notably the Sauti Sol hit song ‘Suzanna’ meant to refer to Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.
The demonstrating medics also carried banners bearing messages like “It’s the government on strike, not doctors”. They further highlighted their frustration with the Ministry of Health and accusations of collusion with county governments.