Siaya enforcement boss suspended after nurses assaulted during protest

County Secretary Joseph Ogutu condemned the incident, calling it a "shameful act" that undermines the values of dialogue and mutual respect.

“The county government will not tolerate violence against employees exercising their lawful right to protest,” Ogutu said, adding that every worker is entitled to express grievances in a peaceful manner without fear of intimidation or harm.

Several nurses sustained injuries during the scuffle, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.

Ogutu extended apologies to the victims and wished them a speedy recovery, while reaffirming the county’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its staff.

To pave the way for investigations, Okoth and all enforcement officers present during the incident were placed on immediate compulsory leave.

The County Secretary urged security agencies to conduct a thorough probe and ensure those responsible face justice.

The nurses had gathered outside county offices as part of ongoing industrial action over delayed salaries and poor working conditions.

Witnesses say the situation escalated after enforcement officers attempted to disperse the demonstrators, leading to the violent confrontation.

The incident comes at a time when Siaya’s healthcare sector is grappling with mounting pressure from understaffing and labor disputes, raising fresh questions about the county’s handling of worker grievances.