Senators launch probe into welfare of 49 Kenyan doctors in Cuba

Senators have launched a probe into the welfare of 49 Kenyans doctors seconded to Cuba for family medicine training.

The lawmakers said the silence of the government on the issue is worrying even after it was confirmed that one of the Kenyans doctors in the exchange program died from frustrations occasioned by poor working conditions.

They demanded that the government come clean on the deal and explain the alleged poor living conditions of the doctors when their colleagues in the country are getting first class treatment.

Senators called on the government lay before the House the details of the MoU that saw the doctors fly to Cuba to pursue family medicine training.

They demanded the Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki be summoned to shed light on the plight of Kenyan doctors still in Cuba.

Bomet Senator Christopher Langat sought statement on the plight of Kenyan doctors in Cuban.

“We even want high ranking government official go to Cuba. If this is not working we need our doctors back.

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka referred the matter to the Health Committee to investigate the matter and report to the House within 14 days.

Senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Majority Leader), Christopher Langat (Bomet), Moses Wetangula (Bungoma), Johnstone Sakaja (Nairobi), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) and Ochilo Oyako (Migori) said the government should consider discontinuing the program and bring back home the remaining doctors.

“Our committee should sit down with the Council of Governors and the Cabinet Secretary to evaluate the terms and conditions of the MoU. We treat their Cuban colleagues well and we demand equal treatment to our doctors in Cuba,” said Murkomen.

Ali Hamisi’s body – one of the 50 doctors in the program -  was found dangling in his room from a bed sheet fastened on a television antenna.