Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong appeared to have rubbed Kenyans the wrong way with his utterances directed towards doctors.
While speaking at an event on Monday, December 7, the county boss challenged doctors to call of their strike and wait till the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) process was concluded.
He claimed that the strike would not help the health workers achieve their goals.
"These doctors, nurses and clinical officers who want to strike, it will not help you. Let's sit down and talk. You health people relax until the BBI is concluded and see whether it will bring better things," stated the governor.
His sentiments came the same day former prime Minister Raila Odinga challenged doctors to call of their strike arguing that it was not the only profession were people were dying from the pandemic.
"I want to appeal to the doctors to be more understanding. We are in a crisis at the moment. If you agree, it is not only doctors who are dying. Other people are also dying.
"We are also in a dire situation. The economy is hurting. How can you justify downin your tools when people are dying?" Questioned Raila.
Angry Kenyans did not take the comments arguing that the state had abandoned doctors who are at the frontlines of fighting the virus.
"Very shocking for some leaders to ask "Wahudumu wa afya wavumilie kidogo BBI iishe" (Healthworkers to wait until BBI is concluded).
"Another one is telling doctors, "You are not the only ones dying, be patient and continue working" cognizant of their delayed salaries and PPE's," stated Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga.
"We have the power in our hands, such kind of sentiments proves beyond doubt that is time to upraise and demand quality leadership. This people are drunk with power such that they can't reason the priorities," added another user.
"It's apparent that our unscrupulous leaders will further BBI at any cost. I'm beginning to wonder whether the referendum results will be a true reflection of the will of Kenyans. Worrying trend as our country bleeds. We pray for the best," added Walid Khan.
In August, the former prime minister projected that campaigns to pass BBI would cost Ksh2 billion even as doctors threaten to strike of unpaid salaries spanning over five months.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMDU) had issued a notice two weeks ago, threatening to mobilise its members to strike on Monday, December 7, unless the government meets their demands.
KMPDU's acting Secretary General Chibanzi Mwachonda on Sunday night announced that the strike had been suspended for 14 days to allow for further dialogue.
