MATHIRA MP Ephraim Maina has urged the government to intervene over the ongoing nurse's strike saying many poor Kenyans are suffering.

Speaking when he visited Karatina District Hospital yesterday where he donated assorted foodstuffs, the MP was shocked to learn that only 20 patients are in hospital instead of the normal 200 patients.

"The poor cannot afford private hospitals so if they are not here, they must be at home, sick yet unable to access help," he said.

Maina said it is sad that the month long nurse's strike has had its greatest toll on the most needy members of society saying it is unfortunate that only eight out of the usual 123 workers were at the hospital.

He also lamented the acute shortage of medical staff in government medical facilities saying the government should higher more.

Maina later visited Karatina Children's Home where he also donated assorted foodstuffs. He urged more well wishers to remember the less fortunate in society during this festive season.

The MP who was accompanied by Karatina mayor Christopher Kamau, area DC Mohammed Galogalo and OCPD Rashid Mohammed later held a leaders meeting at Karatina stadium.