Health crisis in Siaya as KMPDU suspends all services after doctor assaulted

Health services in Siaya County were on Tuesday thrown into turmoil after doctors downed their tools to protest what they described as a shocking and violent attack on a young medic by senior county officials.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Nyanza Branch declared an immediate suspension of all medical services offered by its members in the county, following the alleged assault that occurred on the night of November 30, 2025.

In a hard-hitting letter addressed to the Siaya County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Branch Secretary Dr. Aggrey Orwenyo said the union was “profoundly shocked and indignant” over the incident, which he said involved county leadership, the area chief, and staff from the Governor’s office.

According to the union, the medic was attacked for providing emergency services “to a patient other than the one preferred by a county official.”

Dr. Orwenyo condemned the assault, describing it as barbaric, and insisted that it violated international conventions that safeguard workers’ rights and safety.

He said the attack was “a direct violation of international labor standards,” adding that it “contravenes the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 155 on Occupational Safety and Health (1981), which obligates employers and governments to ensure that workplaces are safe and free from violence, intimidation, and hazards.”

Dr. Orwenyo stressed that: “Workplace violence is expressly prohibited under these guidelines, and Kenya, as a member state, is bound to uphold them.”

He said the union would not accept any attempts to normalize intimidation or attacks on healthcare workers.

“As a union, we cannot and will not tolerate the normalization of violence against healthcare workers,” Dr. Orwenyo stated.

Effective immediately, he announced, KMPDU doctors in Siaya would cease offering medical services until the county leadership led by Governor James Orengo takes concrete steps to guarantee their safety.

In the letter, Dr. Orwenyo demanded that the county boss “reign in his ministers, personal assistants, and local leaders,” “guarantee adherence to workplace safety guidelines,” and “publicly commit to protecting healthcare workers from intimidation and assault.”

“The health sector cannot function under fear and coercion. Doctors must be allowed to exercise their professional judgment without interference, harassment, or threats to their lives,” he said.

KMPDU maintained that its members would only return to work once the county government demonstrates accountability and respect for labor laws.

“KMPDU stands firm: we will not accept workplace violence to rear its ugly head in Kenya. Until the County Government of Siaya demonstrates accountability and respect for the rule of law, our members will not resume duty,” said the Nyanza branch boss.