A Kenyan court on Monday jailed seven union officials for a month over a doctors strike that has crippled public hospitals for 10 weeks. The sentencing prompted the union to say it was calling off talks with the government. With national elections due in August, the strike is fast-becoming a hot issue for President Uhuru Kenyatta who is aiming to win a second term.
Kenya's labour court had handed suspended sentences to the union officials a month ago after they ignored an earlier court order to end the strike. But jailing them Monday for contempt of court, Judge Hellen Wasilwa said the seven had provided no reason for punishment to be deferred. "The applicants have not demonstrated to court any new and compelling issue, or pointed out any mistake or error apparent on the record, or any sufficient cause that would warrant review of the court's order," Wasilwa said.
The officials were handcuffed and driven to jail past placard-waving supporters gathered outside the court. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union's response was unequivocal. "We are disappointed, we have suspended all the negotiations," said Thuranira Kaugiria, a union official. Union members and supporters will hold daily vigils outside prison until the officials are released, he added. Opposition leader Raila Odinga criticised the decision to send the union leaders to jail and blamed the ruling Jubilee Party government for the crisis.
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