The County Government of Siaya has sent its Head of Law Enforcement Unit on compulsory leave following an attack on striking nurses outside the governor's office.
The striking nurses were reportedly attacked and assaulted by unknown people on Tuesday, September 30, leaving more than 20 of them injured.
Following the incident, the county, on Thursday, October 2, sent the Head of the Enforcement Unit and all other enforcement officers who were on duty on the fateful day on 30-day compulsory leave.
In the letter signed by the County's Head of Public Service, Joseph Ogutu, the county announced that the said officers would proceed on leave immediately to pave the way for full investigations.
While condemning the attack, Ogutu called on the relevant security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators of the heinous act to book.
"The County is committed to safeguarding the well-being of its staff, ensuring a conducive working environment and prioritising the health care needs of our people," Ogutu stated.
"Every professional, including our frontline health workers, has the right to air their grievances peacefully and lawfully without fear of intimidation or attack. We render our apologies to those who were injured and wish them a quick recovery," he added.
Ogutu, however, urged the nurses and other county health stakeholders to consider channelling their concerns through the established avenues of engagement, other than striking.
According to him, Governor James Orengo's administration has always been open to dialogue with all the County Government of Siaya staff on matters of welfare and work.
"Indeed, records show a history of successful engagements with our nurses and other cadres, where solutions have been reached amicably and in good faith," Ogutu affirmed.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) had threatened to launch a nationwide strike following the attack on the Siaya County nurses.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 1, the unions' heads slammed Orengo for allegedly facilitating the disruption, cautioning that using violence to prevent the medics from protesting would worsen the situation.
"Some nurses were taken to the hospital because they were attacked by goons unleashed on them by the county government of Siaya. Using goons to disrupt the strike is unconstitutional and cannot resolve anything," the union declared.
