TROUBLE for doctors as court orders arrest of union officials

A Nairobi Court has issued a warrant of arrest against the doctors’ union officials for failing to appear before it for sentencing in a contempt of court case.

In her ruling on Tuesday, January 10, Employment and Labor Relations Court Judge, Hellen Wasilwa, further directed the OCS Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi to enforce the warrants of arrest.

Late last month, the court found Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials guilty of contempt of court after they refused to call off the strike as directed by the court.

According to Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa, union officials only appeared in court after being summoned, which she said were considerable grounds for contempt.

The government has threatened to institute disciplinary action against striking doctors if fail to resume duties by Wednesday, January 11.

In a press briefing at Council of Governors headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, the governors, through their Chairman Peter Munya, and Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Cleopa Mailu, however, did not specify the disciplinary measures to take against non-compliant doctors but signaled a possibility of sacking them and advertising for their positions.

“You cannot call people for negotiations then they keep saying CBA. This CBA is not in accordance with the law. Even courts have said that,” added Munya.

Last week, the doctors, through their umbrella body – Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), and the government failed to reach a deal in a meeting that was convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Mombasa.

Led by KMPDU chair, Samuel Oroko, and Secretary General, Ouma Oluga, the medics said they appreciated the offer tabled by the government but that was not enough but said they would continue with negotiations with the government.

The union officials remain adamant to call off the strike insisting that the they will only resume duty after the Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2013 is fully implemented.

The matter will be mentioned on Thursday.

Additional reporting by Dzuya Walter

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court doctors union officials Kenya Medical Practioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2013 Employment and Labor Relations Judge Hellen Wasilwa issues arrest warrants

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