Striking doctors in Eldoret Town were confronted by hundreds of local youth staging a counter-protest at their planned march venue. The doctors, overwhelmed by the sheer number of locals blocking their path, were forced to retreat and re-strategize.
The tension between the two groups was palpable, with some of the doctors visibly agitated and eager to engage with the protesting locals. However, their leadership intervened and managed to prevent any further escalation of the situation.
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The youth, who were against the strike, made it clear that they would resort to violence, including stoning the doctors, if they did not return to their workstations. Instead of succumbing to these threats, the doctors chose to kneel in the middle of the street and pray for their patients and the government.
Despite the confrontation, the doctors remained steadfast in their resolve, stating that they would not resume work until the government honored the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) signed in 2017. The agreement had been a long-standing point of contention between the medical professionals and the government, with the doctors demanding better pay and working conditions.
President William Ruto, DP Gachagua and Kikuyu ,MP Kimani Ichungwa
Police officers were present at the scene but did not interfere with either of the two concurrent protests. This allowed the situation to de-escalate, as the doctors’ decision to kneel and pray seemed to soften the stance of the counter-protestors.
As the doctors prayed for their patients and the government, the youth who had previously threatened violence against them appeared to have a change of heart. The situation remained peaceful, and both groups eventually dispersed without further incident.
The striking doctors’ decision to opt for prayer over confrontation demonstrated their commitment to their cause and their patients. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the ongoing strike and whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies all parties involved.
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