The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has sounded the alarm over the safety of healthcare workers in Siaya County after a violent attack on nurses during a peaceful demonstration.
KNUN Deputy Secretary General Maurice Opetu condemned the Tuesday incident, which took place at the county government headquarters, describing it as a “clear indication that Siaya is hostile to healthcare workers.”
According to the union, goons were hired to disrupt the nurses’ protest, leaving over 20 health workers injured. Two of them remain hospitalized, while others were treated and discharged.
Opetu, who visited the county to show solidarity with the affected nurses, demanded a public apology from Siaya Governor James Orengo. He also urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to arrest and prosecute those behind the attack.
“The goons were hired to come and harm our nurses, and we cannot take it lightly. If nothing is done, we will call for a nationwide strike in solidarity with Siaya nurses,” warned KNUN National Trustee Henry Adolwa.
The President of the National Nurses Association of Kenya, Collins Otieno Ajwang’, joined union officials in condemning the assault. He described the governor’s office compound, where the attack occurred, as a “crime scene” and demanded swift justice for the victims.
KNUN Siaya branch Secretary Kennedy Hamisi confirmed that more than 20 nurses sustained injuries, highlighting the growing concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals in the region.
The union has now threatened to paralyze healthcare services across the country unless action is taken against those responsible.
This development places Siaya County at the center of national attention as health workers rally behind their colleagues. The looming strike could significantly disrupt service delivery in hospitals nationwide if the county government and law enforcement agencies fail to address the matter promptly.
