UPDATE: Doctors’ union officials walk out of deal signing ceremony
The much-awaited signing of a deal to end the 100-day doctors’ strike has been delayed after doctors’ union officials walked out of the ceremony in unclear circumstances.
Sources indicate that the doctors refused to sign the document detailing a return to work formula after noting changes that had not been agreed upon between them and governors.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union officials and governors were set to put pen to paper on Tuesday 4.30pm to bring to an end the protracted industrial action.
“The Council of Governors, led by the Chairman, Governor Peter Munya and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union officials will be signing the Return to Work Formula at the Council offices at Delta House, Westlands. This will bring the Doctors’ strike to an end,” read a dispatch from the Council of Governors.
Following the fresh twist, the governors, clergy men and doctors union official retreated to a closed door meeting to resolve the fresh standoff.
The Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya, accompanied by others governors, had prepared to issue a press statement on their final decision on the doctors’ strike.