Kenyan doctors’ union representatives jailed

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 fastbecoming a hot issue for President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is aiming to win a second term.

Kenya’s labour court handed suspended sentences to the union officials a month ago after they ignored an earlier court order to end the strike.

But jailing them on 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 condemned the jail sentences. “We are disappointed, we have suspended all the negotiations,” union official Thuranira Kaugiria said.

Union members and supporters would hold daily vigils outside prison until the officials were released, he said.

Doctors have rejected a 40% salary rise, saying it falls short of a 2013 agreement.