The union lawyers together with those from Kenya National Commission on Human Rights stressed that they have been working around the clock to bring the mediation talks to fruition. Defending themselves in the contempt hearing, the lawyers warned that any jail term passed to the union officials might jeopardize the already ongoing negotiations. The union instead requested for a 7-day timeline to finalize an agreement that will resolve the industrial action. Judge Wasilwa ruled that negotiations to end the strike may proceed but sentenced the Union officials for a one-month jail term for contempt of court charges. Meanwhile, the doctors' union leaders have been jailed for failing to lobby their members to return work as they were asked by the judge.

Source: Standard Digital February 13, 2017 07:59 UTC