Nicholas Muraguri, Cleopa Mailu clash on failed strike talks

Concerns that differences between a Cabinet secretary and his principal secretary could be behind the protracted doctors’ strike, became evident Wednesday when the two appeared before a parliamentary committee.

Health Principal Secretary Nicholas Muraguri clashed with Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu over the appointment of a team from the ministry to participate in the negotiations spearheaded by court-appointed mediators to resolve the stalemate.

Whereas Dr Muraguri, who apologised for the perception that he was not working well with his boss, claimed that he had discussed the matter with Dr Mailu, the Cabinet secretary disowned the claims.

Dr Mailu told the PS to his face when both appeared before the Senate Health Committee that they did not agree that he change the name for the government official who was to lead the ministry representatives.

“At no time did we discuss that change of names with the PS,” Dr Mailu told the committee, chaired by Wilfred Machage (Migori).

“Therefore, I want to clarify that whereas I accept the apology, we have a responsibility to take the ministry forward. 

'We have mandates which are given through appointment letters and respective authorities and that is what we work with.”

'IMAGINARY WARS'

Dr Muraguri said he was apologetic because of the misunderstanding and the perception that he was not respecting the authority of his boss when he offered an alternative name to replace him.

This was in response to the Cabinet secretary’s memo that was clear that he should head a team of four senior officials from the ministry in the negotiations meant to end the strike, now in its 73rd day.

“My memo was finalising a process. I thought we had agreed. We have a good working relationship with the CS. I know my space. He is a team leader. We work as a team. I respect him as the CS and he is our senior even professionally as a doctor,” Dr Muraguri said.

But the senators pointed out that many Kenyans who cannot afford treatment in private hospitals were suffering as the two officers fought imaginary wars, yet they had a mandate to ensure health services resume at public hospitals.

“When two bulls fight it is the grass that suffers. In this scenario, it is very clear and its murmured very widely in the media and the country that there is bad blood between you and the CS,” said Zipporah Kittony, the committee’s vice-chairperson.