Wamatangi strikes back as health row turns political

For months now, healthcare has quietly emerged as a central political battleground in Kiambu County, with leaders trading barbs over the management of this crucial sector.

What began as a routine labour dispute between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the county government has gradually taken on a distinctly political shape.

The doctors’ strike that triggered the controversy initially involved only a section of medical staff, while others chose to remain at work.

Those who boycotted duty were quickly replaced by the county government, ensuring that most health facilities remained operational despite the stalemate.

However, as technical aspects of the dispute were being addressed, political undertones began to overshadow the substance.

At one point, union officials were photographed meeting a group of Kiambu MPs, a meeting that sparked widespread political chatter.

Union leaders later intensified the discourse by alleging that more than 100 newborns had died in Kiambu since the strike began.

The county government dismissed the claims, accusing the union of manufacturing a health crisis to stir public emotions and maintained that all facilities were fully functional. Kiambu County Health Executive, Dr Elias Maina refuted claims of a maternal health surge, citing official Ministry of Health data that ranked Kiambu sixth lowest nationally in maternal mortality between January and June this year.

“The official ministry records show that Kiambu’s maternal mortality ratio is among the lowest, meaning we are performing better than most counties. The counties below us are Nyandarua, West Pokot, Nandi, Vihiga, and Marsabit yet they have fewer hospitals and smaller populations,” Maina said recently.

Governor Kimani Wamatangi has also denied claims of a healthcare crisis, describing them as fabrications by political opponents seeking to destabilise his administration through propaganda.

During an impromptu visit to Thika Level 5 Hospital on Sunday, the governor claimed that the “crisis narrative” was part of a broader conspiracy to tarnish his name. “The people behind this scheme first attempted an impeachment, which failed. Then they tried to use the EACC to intimidate me. After all their efforts failed, they have now resorted to spreading false narratives about deaths in Kiambu hospitals to provoke an uprising,” said Wamatangi.

The governor maintained that his administration had met most of the union’s demands, including settling arrears, improving infrastructure and enhancing working conditions.

The only unresolved issue, he said, was the union’s demand that the county deduct and remit union dues directly to KMPDU  a matter he insisted should be resolved between the union and its members. “We urge doctors who have boycotted work to return to work as required by their contracts. Once they resume, we can engage in discussions to address their concerns. But they must remember there is no payment without work,” Wamatangi added.

On Monday, KMPDU officials and activists led protests in Kiambu Town.

That evening, Muslim leaders in the county conducted a fact-finding tour of several hospitals and reported that facilities were operating normally.

Led by County Imam Council Chairman Muhammed Shaib, the leaders urged politicians to stop politicising health matters and allow the county government to serve residents.

Other county leaders have also defended the governor, insisting that hospitals across Kiambu are fully operational.

Led by County Assembly Majority Leader Godfrey Mucheke and Kamenu Ward MCA Peter Mburu, they accused some MPs of fuelling propaganda to incite the public against the governor.

Council of Governors (CoG) chair Ahmed Abdullahi also backed Wamatangi’s stance, warning against using health as a political weapon.

The CoG maintained that Kiambu has continued delivering services even as negotiations with medics progress.