A patient has threatened to mobilise fellow patients across the country to stage a 72-hour protest at the Ministry of Health offices in Nairobi, as pressure mounts on the government to resolve the ongoing clinicians’ strike.
Speaking to journalists during a media briefing by clinicians, Prof. Fred Ogola said patients were bearing the brunt of the industrial action and could no longer remain silent as hospitals across the country continue to operate with reduced services.
Ogola, who said he was speaking on behalf of patients nationwide, announced plans to “hug” the Ministry of Health building for three days in protest a form of silent activism reminiscent of past symbolic demonstrations.
“If they do not sign the CBA, we shall call upon all patients and clinicians and come hug this building for 72 hours until the President calls us for talks in State House,” he said.
He accused the government of sidelining clinical officers and failing to take their grievances seriously, warning that continued inaction was putting patients’ lives at risk.
The protest threat comes as the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) maintains its strike, which began on December 22, 2025, following the lapse of a 21-day strike notice.
KUCO has accused Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of negligence and impunity, blaming him for the prolonged standoff. According to the union, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was ready for signing, but the Health CS declined to append his signature.
Union leaders have also dismissed claims that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) caused the delay.
“They have been claiming that the problem was with SRC, which is a lie. We know that SRC gave the approval in August,” KUCO National Chairperson Peterson Wachira said.
Wachira further accused the government of failing to honour previous court orders and return-to-work formulas issued in July 2024 and January 2025.
Efforts to halt the strike through the courts have so far failed. The Council of Governors had sought orders to stop the industrial action, but the Employment and Labour Relations Court declined to restrain the strike. The matter is scheduled for mention on January 15, 2026.
As the standoff drags on, patients say they are being caught in the middle, with Ogola warning that unless urgent action is taken, they will be forced to take their protest directly to the Ministry’s doorstep.
