Nurses union threatens nationwide strike after Siaya colleagues attacked during demos

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has declared Siaya County an unsafe place for health workers following a violent attack on nurses by goons during their peaceful demonstration.

KNUN Deputy Secretary General Maurice Opetu has condemned the Tuesday incident, which occurred at the county government headquarters, describing the attack as a clear indication that the county is hostile to healthcare workers.

Speaking when they came to stand in solidarity with Siaya nurses, the deputy SG demanded a public apology from Siaya Governor James Orengo and urged the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to ensure those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

“We advise our nurses not to set foot in any of the county premises. We are relaunching the strike and the governor has to come out and apologise,” Optetu said.

He was accompanied by the President of the National Nurses Association of Kenya, Collins Otieno Ajwang’, who echoed the outrage, declaring the governor’s office compound a crime scene.

He equally demanded justice for the nurses who were injured during the attack.

KNUN National Trustee Henry Adolwa warned that the union would initiate a nationwide strike in solidarity with Siaya nurses if swift action is not taken.

“The goons were hired to come and harm our nurses, and we cannot take it lightly. If nothing is done about it, we will call for a nationwide strike in solidarity with Siaya nurses,” Adolowa said

KNUN Siaya branch Secretary, Kennedy Hamisi, reported that over 20 nurses sustained injuries during the attack, adding that two were hospitalized, while the rest received treatment and were discharged.