A senior Siaya County enforcement officer has been sent on compulsory leave after a group of striking nurses was violently attacked outside the governor’s office, leaving more than 20 health workers injured. The assault, which occurred on September 30, 2025, drew national attention and prompted the county government to take immediate action as pressure mounted from the public and health unions demanding accountability.
According to the county administration, the Head of the Law Enforcement Unit and all officers who were on duty that day have been placed on a 30-day compulsory leave to allow for an impartial investigation into the incident. The directive was issued by Joseph Ogutu, the County Head of Public Service, who described the attack as unacceptable and contrary to the values of public service. The nurses had gathered peacefully to protest over unresolved welfare and workplace grievances when unknown assailants pounced on them, dispersing the crowd and leaving several needing urgent medical attention.
The incident sparked outrage among healthcare workers and union officials, who accused the county government of failing to protect frontline staff. The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives condemned the attack, alleging that hired goons were used to intimidate the striking workers. The union warned that such actions could escalate into a nationwide strike if the perpetrators were not held accountable. Ogutu, while apologizing to the injured nurses, urged staff to use established dialogue channels and emphasized that Governor James Orengo’s administration has a history of constructive engagements with health workers.
As investigations commence, residents and health stakeholders are now watching the county’s next steps closely. The inquiry is expected to determine whether enforcement officers played any role in the attack and whether senior officials failed in their duty to safeguard peaceful protestors. The outcome of the probe could also influence upcoming negotiations between the county government and health unions, who insist that protecting the rights and safety of frontline workers must remain a top priority. The county leadership has pledged transparency as it seeks to restore trust and prevent future disruptions in Siaya’s health sector.