Mombasa Nurses Union secretary general Peter Maroko (L), Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (C) and Mombasa County Assembly speaker Harub Khatri (right) during a press briefing at Haki Africa offices on Thursday. [Photo/ Maxwell Ngala]

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A heated debate ensued during a media briefing at the Haki Africa offices in Mombasa on Thursday after representatives from the Nurses Union demanded an explanation as to why their demands had not been addressed.The nurses, led by Mombasa Nurses Union secretary general Peter Maroko asked newly elected Speaker Harub Khatri and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir to explain why the county government was reluctant in resolving the ongoing nurses’ strike.Maroko said the county government had failed in addressing the challenges facing the health sector, and urged Governor Hassan Joho to convene a meeting with the nurses in a bid to resolve the strike that has entered its third month.On his part, Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said ignoring issues facing the health sector was only subjecting locals, especially those who cannot afford to seek health services in private hospital to suffering.“Since you are our leaders, you must do something about the crisis facing the health sector. You are more involved in politics than in addressing issues that directly affect residents,” said Khalid.Mombasa Speaker Khatri assured the nurses that the matter will be given priority once the County Assembly resumes its sittings on September 26, 2017.“I must address your issues since I can’t carry on with my duties while Mombasa residents are suffering. I will meet the governor this evening to discuss ways of resolving the stalemate,” said Khatri.Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir urged the nurses to resume duty, arguing that leaders in the county were working towards solving the healthcare crisis.“I urge the nurses to retract their move and report back to work as we Mombasa leaders struggle to amicably solve the health crisis in our county since we understand the matter is being handled at the national level,” said Nassir.