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Defiant Muraguri eats humble pie for bungling doctors’ talks


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

Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Cleopa Mailu openly differed with his Principal Secretary Dr Nicholas Muraguri  over appointment of a team from the ministry to participate in the negotiations to resolve the stalemate.

Dr Muraguri apologized for the perception created that he was not working well with his boss.

He however claimed that he had discussed with Dr Mailu about the matter, but the Cabinet Secretary quickly disowned the claims.

DID NOT AGREE

Dr Maillu told the the PS to his face when both appeared before the Senate Health Committee that they did not agree that he changes the name for the government official who was to lead the ministry’s team.

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

“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 what we work with.”

Dr Muraguri apologised for the misunderstanding and perception that implied insubordination 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 doctors strike.

‘I KNOW MY SPACE’

“My memo was finalizing 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 Kenyans who cannot afford treatment in private hospitals were suffering as the two officers fought imaginary wars.

“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,” Ms Zipporah Kittony, the committee’s vice chairperson said.