Public servants have been shocked by President Uhuru’s declaration that the government has no money. Therefore, they should stop asking for salaries increase. He told public servants to brace themselves for tough times ahead, saying the country’s economy is facing many challenges due to corruption and an unbearable wage bill that can no longer support pay increments.
He spoke while at Kisii where he had been accompanied his deputy William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga. He told those agitating for pay hikes to hold their horses until the challenges are addressed.
He then went Kisii County Referral and Teaching Hospital where he spoke on the backdrop of the ongoing standoff between the Government and nurses who have been on strike for weeks now to push for salary increment.
Though he did not directly refer to the striking nurses, the President said he was alarmed by the growing chorus for pay hikes; ”Let us abandon the habit of crying for more salaries. Let us stop thinking about our stomachs without serving the people. Let us join our hands and fix our economy by fighting corruption. Let us stop politicising corruption. Let us reject those who run to their communities when faced with corruption charges. Let them carry their own crosses.
Raila had earlier complained about the calls for salary increment by public servants, saying Treasury is weighed down by high wage bills both at the national and county governments; ”There are calls for industrial action everywhere. Today it is nurses, even Atwoli will some come with his own. People are demanding higher pay from the same kitty which is not getting any additional money.”
Uhuru, Ruto and Raila said they were committed to uniting Kenyans, with the Deputy President saying he supports the handshake between President Uhuru and ODM leader.