Medics from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) on Tuesday stormed Eldoret Central Police Station in protest over the killing of their colleague, Richard Rotich, in Uasin Gishu County.
The health workers marched into the station, chanting and demanding answers from police, accusing security agencies of failing to protect frontline workers despite repeated reports of rising insecurity in the area. The protest briefly disrupted operations at the station as officers engaged the demonstrators.
Speaking to police officers, the medics voiced anger and frustration over what they termed weak security measures, noting that attacks on health workers have risen in recent weeks.
“Over the past month, there has been a sharp rise in criminal activities perpetrated by organised crime and individuals, resulting in the loss of lives, serious injuries, and widespread fear among our staff. These acts are suffering, disrupting the work morale of our members,” one of the staff officials stated.
The protesters questioned how criminals were able to operate freely, including carrying illegal firearms, while law-abiding citizens remained exposed.
They further voiced concern over claims that police officers at times failed to respond to distress calls or declined to offer security escorts to staff facing threats.
“Our particular concern is this one for our league region, where our officers, your officers, were requested to accompany them to the house because there was a danger in the house, and they declined. So, that was a blatant refusal to provide what is necessary and what is rightful to our members,” the official added.
The medics demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Rotich’s killing and called for enhanced patrols, intelligence-led operations, and visible security presence, particularly in areas where health workers live.
One of the protestors became emotional as she recounted the impact of Rotich’s death on his family, noting that his widow was still in mourning and their children remained traumatised by the loss. She added that fellow medics were equally grieving and urged security officers to exercise responsibility during the mourning period, calling on them to avoid releasing suspects back into the community.
She said they could not sit back knowing that a criminal was free while their colleague lay dying, noting that Rotich came from a marginalised community and had fled cattle rustling in search of safety, only to be killed by a gun in Uasin Gishu
They further urged security agencies to take responsibility and act decisively to prevent further loss of life, noting that the safety of medical staff is critical to the delivery of healthcare services in the region.
