Senator Cheruiyot says state is broke, can't meet doctors demands

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot. [File, Standard]

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has told striking doctors that the government is broke and cannot meet their demands.

Mr Cheruiyot said the demands by the doctors are unrealistic and "they are being made in bad faith".

The Kericho Senator urged doctors to reconsider their demands.

Addressing the media in Bungoma town, Cheruiyot acknowledged the government's financial constraints and appealed to doctors to accept the current offer of Sh70,000 for the intern doctors and resume duty to end the suffering of patients.

"The government has addressed your grievances, to which you have expressed dissent. I implore you to consider our perspective, enabling us to reach an agreement and halt the strike, facilitating your return to your respective facilities to take care of the sick," he said.

Cheruiyot, a close ally of President William Ruto emphasized the need for pragmatic considerations. 

"It is impossible to meet all their (doctors) demands at this time. I appeal to our colleagues from the KMPDU to assess the nation's current situation before persisting with the strike. Frankly, we cannot afford to pay an intern Sh200,000 while they are still in training," he said.

The Majority Leader said while the government acknowledges the doctors' grievances, the current economic situation does not permit meeting their demands in full.

"The government acknowledges your demands, but regrettably, we are unable to raise the necessary funds at this time. Perhaps in the future," the Senator said.

Cheruiyot highlighted the plight of Kenyans who often find themselves without Medicare when seeking treatment at healthcare facilities.

The senator's plea comes amidst growing concerns over the impact of the ongoing medics strike on the healthcare sector and public welfare.