MOMBASA senator hopeful Hassan Mwakimako wants the government to negotiate with striking nurses and address their grievances once and for all to save Kenyans from further suffering.

Mwakimako said the strike by the nurses that has persisted for months has hit the poor citizens who cannot afford services from private hospitals.

Speaking on his campaign trail in Bamburi and Kashani within Kisauni constituency, Mwakimako accused Medical Services minister Anyang' Nyong'o of being insensitive and irresponsible to the plight of the poor.

"We are urging the Anyang' Nyong'o to urgently end the stalemate in the health sector by addressing the grievances of the striking nurses," said Mwakimako.

The former Pwani University College history don said the nurses, just like any other civil servants, have not only the right to form and join a union but are also entitled to better pay as well as a conducive working environment. He said the health sector is the most sensitive and should not be gambled with since it deals directly with the lives of patients.

"The top government officials need to be citizen-sensitive because they should know that it's not everybody who can afford services from private hospitals or fly out of the country for medication. They need to engage in dialogue with the nurses," he pleaded.