20 striking nurses in Siaya injured in alleged attack by hired goons

At least 20 striking nurses were injured after the Siaya County government allegedly ‘unleashed goons’ on them during their peaceful demonstration in Siaya town.

The nurses, who are now on the 13th day of their strike, had marched through the streets of Siaya led by their union officials before the procession culminated at the gates of the County headquarters, where they were reportedly denied entry and subsequently attacked by individuals armed with batons.

According to Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Siaya branch Secretary Kennedy Hamisi, the group had peacefully assembled outside the County offices when enforcement officers allegedly summoned the attackers, who then indiscriminately assaulted the nurses.

Mr Hamisi confirmed that at least 20 nurses sustained injuries and five mobile phones were stolen during the chaos.

He condemned the violence and declared that no amount of intimidation would deter their cause. The union, he said, would extend the strike for another 30 days to allow the injured nurses time to recover.

Chairman Denis Omolo echoed Hamisi’s sentiments, expressing outrage over the County Government’s alleged involvement, saying that it is disgraceful that the very institution meant to address our grievances has resorted to violence against its own health workers.

Speaking from Siaya County Referral Hospital, their Treasurer Roseline Oywer and Naomi Musila, a nurse at Sigomere Sub-County Hospital, confirmed that they were among those injured and had their phones stolen during the attack.

The nurses are protesting several unresolved issues, including the non-remittance of statutory deductions, failure to implement the Salaries and Remuneration Commission circular, and delays in honouring their collective bargaining agreement.