Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has announced his intention to file a notice of a motion seeking to remove Health CS Susan Nakhumicha over accusations that she has mishandled the ongoing strike by doctors and other medics across Kenya.

The intended impeachment motion, seeks to remove Nakhumicha from office based on alleged gross violations of constitutional articles and incompetence, amid rising that the doctors' strike has paralysed operations in public health facilities across the country.

The motion, as per Article 152(6) of the Constitution, seeks to end the CS's career on two principal grounds: first, the purported breach of Articles 26(1) and 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, and second, accusations of incompetence.

Babu's concerns primarily stem from the protracted doctors' strike, which commenced on March 15, 2024, and its dire consequences on the populace.

"As a result of the doctors' strike, a majority of Kenyans’ right to life as well as the right to the highest attainable standard of health has been grossly violated," Babu stated in his notice of motion.

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In his intended motion, the ODM lawmaker highlighted the plight of citizens who have been deprived of essential medical services during the strike, with some tragic cases resulting in loss of life.

Babu also accused the Ministry of Health of neglecting its duty to uphold the doctors' Collective Bargaining Agreement, opting instead for a confrontational approach towards the striking medical professionals.

"The CS has exhibited incompetence... she failed to avert the doctors’ strike," Babu alleges in the motion.

He contends that Nakhumicha's handling of the situation, including the threat of immediate dismissal and replacement of striking doctors, reflects a lack of understanding of the gravity of the ensuing medical crisis.

Furthermore, the motion criticizes the Ministry's inability to provide a sustainable solution to address the demands of healthcare workers, including the hiring of interns/trainee doctors and the settlement of salary arrears.

In light of these grievances, Babu seeks the resolution of the House to compel President William Ruto to dismiss Nakhumicha with the notice of motion containing evidential support for the allegations raised.

The impeachment motion, if admitted by the National Assembly, is expected to pave way for a heated debate with Ruto's UDA allies, in their majority numbers, expected to rally behind the CS as opposition MPs back her ouster.

It remains to be seen how the newfound bromance between Ruto and his erstwhile political nemesis Raila Odinga will influence the outcome of the motion.