A section of pharmacists in Machakos county has accused governor Dr Alfred Mutua of discrimination following his recent decision to shut down private medical facilities near public hospitals.
The pharmacists claim that there are a few shops that were left open despite being near the Machakos Level Five Hospital .
They now claim the governor is favouring a few individuals.
Addressing journalists in Machakos town on Sunday, the chemists, clinics and laboratory operators led by their spokesperson Gideon Munyao questioned the criteria used by the governor to close the shops.
"We are being prevented from opening our shops but there are a few individuals in the same radius being allowed to open. We are asking which method or criteria was used to close the shops because some shops are closed while others are opened?" asked Munyao.
He said that County Askaris have been in the lookout always harassing them whenever they try to open their shops.
"If it's closing, let all of the shops be closed and if it's opening let all be opened," Munyao insisted.
He said that the closure of their businesses has taken a toll on them stating that they don't know if they will be able to pay their rent or even workers.
"It's almost the end month and our workers whom we have employed need a salary. Some of us even have loans that need to be paid, the closure has really affected us," Munyao said.
Last week, Mutua ordered for the closure of all private chemists, laboratories and clinics situated at least 300 metres from all Level 4 and Level 5 Hospitals within Machakos County.
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