KMPDU Suspends Services Following Assault on Doctor — Calls for Urgent Action
In a move that underscores the severity of threats faced by healthcare workers, KMPDU has suspended all medical services by its members across Siaya County. The decision follows the alleged violent assault of a young doctor on the night of November 30, a matter the union describes as an unacceptable attack on both a medic and the sanctity of healthcare.
The doctor was assaulted while providing emergency care to a patient, reportedly because the patient was not the “preferred” choice of certain county officials. The union condemns the act as “barbaric,” a direct violation of workplace safety standards, and a breach of the rights enshrined under international labour law, including the obligations under International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 155.
KMPDU’s Nyanza Branch Secretary, Dr. Aggrey Orwenyo Nyabuti, addressed the media on December 2, declaring:
“We will not tolerate normalization of violence against healthcare workers. Until the County Government of Siaya, under Governor James Orengo, provides concrete guarantees of safety, accountability, and respect for doctors’ rights, our members will not resume duty.”
This is about much more than one isolated incident. It is a test of whether public institutions can guarantee safe working conditions for those responsible for delivering health services, even in difficult, high-pressure situations. KMPDU is not only demanding accountability and justice for the assaulted doctor, but also systemic safeguards to ensure that no health worker in Siaya, or anywhere else in Kenya, is ever forced to choose between service and safety.
KMPDU urges the Siaya County Government to take immediate action and:
Conduct an independent, transparent investigation into the assault;
Publicly commit to protecting healthcare workers from violence and interference;
Strengthen hospital security, especially in emergency areas;
Guarantee accountability for any perpetrators involved;
Provide assurance of safety and dignity for all medical staff before resuming services.
Until these steps are taken, doctors, and soon other health workers, will remain on strike. The union’s message is clear: the protection and safety of healthcare workers are non-negotiable.
