Editor's Review

Babu Owino accused the CS of being incompetent and violating the constitution.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino on Wednesday, April 3 notice of motion to impeach Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.

In the petition seen by nairobileo.co.ke, Owino accused CS Nakhumicha of incompetence and gross violation of the constitution.

“Pursuant to Article 152(6) of the Constitution as read with Standing Order 66, I wish to notify you of my intention to move a Special Motion for removal of the Cabinet Secretary for Health from office on two grounds, namely: Gross violation of Articles 26(1) and 43(1)(a) of the Constitution: and Incompetence,” read the notice in part.

According to the ODM MP, the ongoing doctor’s strike has resulted in the violation of Kenyans' right to life and access to health.

“Since the strike began on 15th March, 2024, scores of Kenyans have been unable to access medical care, and in some dire cares, some have even lost their lives,” Owino stated.

File image of Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.

The second-term lawmaker alleged that CS Nakhumicha exhibited incompetence by failing to avert the doctors' strike which is now in its third week.

 “The CS has failed to honor the doctor Collective Bargaining Agreement and has instead taken a hard line and is instead threatening the striking doctors with immediate sacking and replacement,” the Embakasi East MP added.

The doctors have been striking countrywide over the government’s failure to post medical interns and the health ministry’s non-adherence to the medics’ 2017 CBA.

On Tuesday, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced that the government would start deploying intern doctors starting Thursday, April 4, 2024.

He noted that the government has secured Sh2.4 billion to facilitate the immediate deployment and posting of the 2023/24 cohort of medical student interns.

However, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials rejected the offer.