Striking Doctors in Msambweni Kwale Blocked from Addressing Media

By Caroline Katana 

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

A standoff unfolded on Monday at the gates of Msambweni County Referral Hospital when striking doctors from the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) were barred from accessing the facility to hold a planned press briefing. 

The union has since condemned the incident, blaming individuals allegedly sent to intimidate and disrupt their peaceful gathering.

While police officers were present to maintain order, the situation escalated when a group of civilians confronted the medics, accusing them of abandoning their duties.

“Imagine being scared for your life just because you’re asking for your salary. Is that right?” posed Dr. Niko Gichana, KMPDU Coast Branch Chairperson. “We can’t live like this—and people expect us to return to work with no pay, no insurance? It’s heartbreaking when hired goons show up to threaten doctors.”

 Doctors Blocked, Accused of Desertion

According to the doctors, they had assembled peacefully within the hospital compound, only to be informed by the county askaris that entry was no longer permitted. Soon after, a group of people arrived—carrying tree branches, escalating tensions.

“I parked my car inside the compound,” said Dr. Melaki Boi Juma, a pathologist . “But we were not allowed in. Then a group came—some on motorcycles, armed with sticks. Shortly after, the police secured the gate.”

Dr. Stephen Olunyo, KMPDU’s Coast Region Organizing Secretary, decried the interference, terming it a violation of doctors’ rights and a dangerous precedent.

 “Doctors have never been treated like this. They are being humiliated for demanding what’s legally theirs. This strike will continue until our issues are addressed,” he said.

 Verbal Attacks from Local Leaders

Leading the group that confronted the medics was Asha Makei, also known as Mama Miraa, who accused the doctors of neglecting patients.

“We’re the ones who hired them and we’re the ones who get sick,” she said. “Why are they on strike? If they’re tired of the job, let them leave. Our children are jobless and qualified. These doctors are busy running private clinics stocked with government drugs.”

Another speaker, Mohamed Ali Maingu, echoed those sentiments, saying:

 “Let every doctor who’s unhappy return to their home county. This is not acceptable.”

Doctors Speak of Hardship, Depression, and Despair

Dr. Hassan Ahmed Mkuche said years of poor pay and mistreatment had driven many doctors to breaking point.

“Studing for 11 years and specialized in surgery, yet I’m paid like a new intern,” said Dr. Hassan. “We’ve been in talks since 2020. Things got worse last year. Salaries are delayed, no raise, no promotions.”

“Some of us are living in survival mode,” he added. “You go home afraid—you’ve not paid bills, school fees, or bought food. Families are breaking. And worst of all, we live with chronic stress.”

He revealed that many doctors have gone for years without leave, forced to work endlessly due to staff shortages.

 “You’re the only specialist in the hospital. No time to rest. You’re on duty every day and night—and still underpaid. At some point, you have to put your foot down.”

Healthcare Collapse Looms

This is the second day of the county-wide strike, triggered after the 21-day notice issued by KMPDU to the Kwale County Government expired with no action taken.

According to Dr. Gichana , Only 84 doctors serve the whole county , Msambweni referal Hospital should have 53 doctors, but only has 18 , Kwale Hospital has only 4 qualified doctors , Msambweni’s operation theatre has only two functioning room

“We have no access to SHA medical cover, no promotions, poor pay, and doctors can’t even get approval to study further,” said Dr. Gichana.

 “All we ask is for Governor Fatuma Achani to act. Call us to the table—we are professionals. We are not interested in chaos; we want dialogue and justice.”

Community Joins the Call for Action

Residents and boda boda riders from Kisimachande, led by Athman Mwandemba, backed the medics.

“I support the doctors. They must be paid so that services resume,” he said.

“Doctors can’t care for patients while suffering silently,” added Mama Emma Mwangi. “Their mental health matters too.”

Mwandemba said the county hospital lacked basic equipment and patients were being forced to seek private care they couldn’t afford.

He also warned local youth not to be manipulated politically to attack professionals seeking justice.

Kwale County Responds

Kwale County Health CEC Francis Gwama confirmed the strike but assured residents that services were ongoing, albeit with clinical officers stepping in.

 “We’ve deployed clinical officers to wards and emergency units. Residents should continue visiting hospitals,” he said.

He shared his direct line (0722 53 72 63) for anyone who fails to get care and promised a resolution was being sought.

 From Mvurya to Achani: Years of Broken Promises

The doctors say the rot began in 2019–2020, under former Governor Salim Mvurya, when similar promises were made and never fulfilled. 

A new deal was reached in February/March 2024 with the current government, but doctors say none of it was implemented.

“The 2024/2025 budget cycle ended on Monday . If we’re told to wait again, it’s just another lie,” said Dr. Gichana. “We’ve reached the end.”

He also lamented that doctors often fall sick and are forced to raise funds among themselves for treatment because they cannot access the medical insurance cover .

Dr. Gichana urged Kwale residents to pressure their leaders—MPs, MCAs, for the governor—to intervene immediately.

“This is a crisis that could cost lives. We don’t want to strike—we want to serve. But we’re also human. We’re at breaking point.”

 “We’re not asking for favors. We’re asking for what’s already ours.” According to the employment and labor relations Act.