Nairobi: The head of Siaya county enforcement unit, John Okoth, has been placed on compulsory leave after an incident where goons gained access to the governor's office and attacked demonstrating nurses.
According to Kenya News Agency, Siaya county secretary Joseph Ogutu announced that Okoth, along with all enforcement officers present at the county government headquarters during the incident, has been sent on a 30-day compulsory leave. This measure is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the events that transpired.
In a press statement dated September 2, 2025, Ogutu urged relevant security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, to prevent such occurrences in the future. He emphasized the county government's commitment to safeguarding its staff, ensuring a safe working environment, and prioritizing the healthcare needs of its citizens.
Ogutu expressed strong condemnation of the violence against the striking nurses, labeling the acts as unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect upheld by the government. He apologized to the injured nurses, affirming their right to protest peacefully without fear of intimidation or assault.
Earlier this week, several nurses were injured during a demonstration outside the governor's office when a group of armed goons attacked them as the police looked on. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from local leaders and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives.
KNUN national deputy secretary general Maurice Opetu stated that the incident highlighted the county's failure to provide a safe working environment for its employees. Addressing the media in Siaya town, Opetu called on Governor James Orengo to publicly apologize to the nurses and all healthcare workers for the violent episode.
Siaya leaders and members of the public, led by Siaya township member of the county assembly Obiero Otare, also condemned the attack and demanded swift justice for the perpetrators. Otare and officials from the Siaya Passenger Service Vehicles Union stressed that the county must not descend into lawlessness and insisted that the senior enforcement leadership be scrutinized for allowing the breach that led to the chaos.