The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has declared Siaya County unsafe for health workers. The union made the statement after hired goons attacked nurses during a peaceful protest at the county government headquarters on Tuesday.
KNUN Deputy Secretary General Maurice Opetu condemned the violence. He argued that the attack showed hostility toward healthcare workers in Siaya. He demanded a public apology from Governor James Orengo and urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure arrests.
Opetu spoke while joining nurses in solidarity. He stressed that the union will not allow intimidation against health professionals. His remarks highlighted growing tensions between the county government and frontline workers.
Nurses’ Safety
The President of the National Nurses Association of Kenya, Collins Otieno Ajwang’, also spoke. He declared the governor’s office compound a crime scene and called for justice for the injured nurses.
KNUN National Trustee Henry Adolwa warned of dire consequences if action stalls. He said the union would mobilize for a nationwide strike if the authorities fail to act. “The goons came to harm our nurses, and we cannot take it lightly,” Adolwa stated.
Adolwa explained that the union cannot ignore the violation of healthcare workers’ rights. He insisted that the government must act quickly before the situation worsens.
KNUN Siaya branch Secretary Kennedy Hamisi later shared details on the victims. He confirmed that over 20 nurses sustained injuries. Two remained hospitalized, while others received treatment and went home.
The union pledged to keep pressing until justice is done. Leaders emphasized that Siaya health workers deserve both safety and respect. They warned that ignoring the matter would push the national health sector into crisis.
