Governor Gladys Wanga is facing sharp criticism as a doctors’ strike paralyses public health services across Homa Bay County, with many accusing her administration of focusing more on political activities than urgent county problems.
Patients have been left stranded in hospitals with no treatment, while families struggle to find affordable care.
The strike began on Wednesday morning after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union said the county government had failed to address long standing concerns raised by health workers.
Doctors say they issued a 21 day strike notice to allow time for dialogue and solutions, but little was achieved. Speaking during the start of the strike at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, KMPDU Homa Bay Branch Chairperson Dr. Rodgers Otana said only one of the seven agenda items had been completed.
He explained that doctors are owed about Ksh.7 million in salary arrears while the union is owed another Ksh.6 million in remittances.
According to him, these unpaid dues have left many doctors struggling financially despite their important role in caring for the public.
Union leaders also criticised the county administration for failing to keep promises made in earlier agreements.
KMPDU Nyanza Regional Chairperson Dr. Onyango Steve said the situation had become very difficult for health workers, many of whom cannot even afford medical care for themselves.
He said some staff members have not received full payments dating back to 2021, yet they continued working to keep services running.
He added that the county has been operating with serious staff shortages, which has made conditions worse for both workers and patients.
KMPDU National Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah raised further concerns about alleged unfair labour practices within the county government.
He claimed that some health workers were removed from the payroll without proper procedures and that deductions meant for medical cover were not properly accounted for.
Such claims have increased public anger, with many residents demanding answers from the county leadership.
The strike has now brought most public health facilities to a standstill, increasing pressure on the county government to act quickly.
Critics argue that Governor Wanga should focus more on fixing core services instead of engaging in political battles while residents suffer.
Thousands of people who depend on public hospitals continue to wait anxiously for a solution that will restore medical care in the county.
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