Nakuru religious leaders: We are ready to mediate talks between government and doctors
NCCK chairperson Bishop Peter Muiruri addressing journalist in Nakuru flanked by other church leaders.
Religious leaders in Nakuru have offered to mediate in the standoff between the government and doctors to end the nationwide strike of the medical practitioners.
Members of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) South Rift Chapter expressed concern over the ongoing doctors' strike, which has been going on for over a month, saying it is endangering the lives of Kenyans in need of medical attention.
The standoff between the government and the doctors has seen them down tools and protest every Tuesday, demanding an increase in salaries and allowances.
Nakuru doctors have also joined the strike, paralysing the health sector in the county.
Speaking to journalists in Nakuru, NCCK members led by chairman Bishop Peter Muiruri warned the parties against continuing the standoff, which they said could collapse the health sector.
In an effort to find a solution, the clergymen called on the parties concerned to come together for a dialogue in which they offered to mediate.
"It is very insensitive to allow and watch the collapse of the health sector for more than a month. As church leaders, we are available to mediate," said Bishop Muiruri.
The leaders were speaking after a seminar in Nakuru where they sought to address various issues including the state of the country.
While addressing the issue of public service delivery and development, the Church Council urged the county governors to focus on efficient service delivery and infrastructure development that will help lift the people of Nakuru out of poverty.
In addition, Bishop Muiruri said that the Church was ready to partner with the county on livelihood initiatives.
The leaders also called for concerted efforts to protect the environment and strengthen climate change mitigation efforts by fencing off the Mau forest.
They also urged the government to resettle communities evicted from the Mau forest.
Other issues raised by the religious leaders included their desire to see the county government play an active role in ending violence and promoting peace in the county.
During the seminars, the clergy also elected new leaders who will serve for a period of four years.
The elected team includes Pastor David Lebarleyia (vice chancellor), Pastor Sarah Mainye (treasurer) and Miriam Katurkana (women's representative).