7 Days to Heal Kiambu: Senator Karungo Presses Governor Wamatangi on Medics’ Standoff.

Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to Governor Kimani Wamatangi, demanding swift resolution of the ongoing doctors’ strike that has crippled health services across the county for nearly two months.

In a statement made Thursday afternoon, Karungo condemned the governor’s inaction as “irresponsible and shameful,” warning that failure to address the crisis within a week would compel him to move a motion summoning Wamatangi before the Senate to explain his handling of the matter.“The lives of our people must not be held hostage by bureaucratic indifference or political pride,” Karungo declared.

“I stand in full solidarity with the healthcare workers whose demands remain unmet.”The strike, which began 58 days ago, was triggered by grievances including lack of promotions, poor medical insurance coverage, and punitive measures against outspoken doctors. Since then, public hospital operations have ground to a halt, severely impacting access to healthcare services.

Karungo further criticized the county’s revenue priorities, citing that Kiambu has bragged about record hospital-generated revenues but failed to reinvest in healthcare workers or infrastructure.“It’s deeply disturbing that the same county boasting about its earnings is unwilling to support those who make that possible,” he said.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union ( KMPDU) has also intensified pressure, with Secretary General Davji Atellah threatening a nationwide strike should both county and national governments fail to intervene. Atellah additionally called on the Ministry of Health to pull all medical interns from Kiambu, citing unsafe and unsustainable working conditions.

Efforts to negotiate a resolution have reportedly stalled, prompting concerns that the deadlock may persist.As tensions rise and public frustration grows, all eyes are now on Governor Wamatangi—and whether he will respond before the senator’s deadline expires.