As Muslims across the country celebrated Eid, religious leaders took the opportunity to urge the government to resolve the ongoing doctors’ strike, citing its devastating impact on healthcare services.
During Eid prayers held in various mosques, prominent clerics emphasized the need for swift action to end the impasse between the government and healthcare workers. They highlighted that thousands of patients, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, were suffering due to the prolonged strike.
Sheikh Abubakar Bini, Chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) for the North Rift Region, called on leaders to prioritize the well-being of citizens. Speaking at an Eid gathering, he urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with doctors to restore normalcy in public hospitals.
“The spirit of Eid is about compassion, unity, and justice. It is heartbreaking that as we celebrate, many Kenyans are unable to access medical care. We appeal to the government to find a lasting solution to this crisis,” Sheikh Bini said.
Other religious leaders echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the strike was not just a labor dispute but a humanitarian concern. They also appealed to doctors and healthcare unions to remain open to negotiations while advocating for their rights.
The ongoing industrial action, which has left hospitals understaffed, has put immense pressure on private health facilities, making medical care unaffordable for many. Patients seeking treatment in public hospitals have been turned away, with reports of worsening conditions in rural areas where access to healthcare is already limited.
Muslim leaders urged both the government and doctors to uphold the values of justice and fairness, reminding them that healthcare is a fundamental right. As the celebrations continue, the hope remains that a resolution will be reached soon to end the suffering of thousands in need of medical attention.