Public healthcare across Siaya County ground to a halt Tuesday after doctors downed their tools in protest of a violent assault allegedly carried out on a young medic by senior county officials. The strike action leaves thousands of residents without access to essential medical services and deepens a crisis of confidence between healthcare workers and the county administration.

The immediate withdrawal of services was announced by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Nyanza Branch, following the incident on the night of Sunday, November 30, 2025. The union alleges the doctor was attacked for providing emergency care to a patient who was not the preferred choice of a county official, an act KMPDU branded as "barbaric."

Union Demands Action on Medic Safety

In a strongly worded letter, KMPDU Nyanza Branch Secretary Dr. Aggrey Orwenyo stated the union was "profoundly shocked and indignant" over the incident, which allegedly involved county leadership and staff from the Governor's office. The union insists the assault is a grave violation of international labour laws designed to protect workers from workplace violence and intimidation.

The union has put forth clear demands before any return to work is considered:

• A public commitment from Governor James Orengo's administration to protect all healthcare workers from intimidation and assault.
• Guaranteed adherence to workplace safety guidelines across all county health facilities.
• Accountability for the officials allegedly involved in the Sunday night attack.

"The health sector cannot function under fear and coercion," Dr. Orwenyo's statement noted, emphasizing that doctors must be allowed to use their professional judgment without interference or threats.

County Government Contests Allegations

While the medical union presents a clear narrative of assault, the Siaya County Government has offered a different perspective. In a statement from County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, the administration acknowledged an "incident" involving two patients with gunshot wounds at a health facility. One patient succumbed to their injuries, while the other was stabilized.

Mr. Ogutu claimed that a commotion caused by relatives and the public disrupted emergency operations, leading to "misunderstandings." A preliminary review, according to the county, found no evidence of an assault by county officials, though a formal investigation is now underway. The county has affirmed its commitment to dialogue with KMPDU to ensure health services are not interrupted.

With both sides entrenched, the well-being of Siaya residents hangs in the balance. The paralysis of the health system places immense pressure on the county leadership to resolve the impasse and restore not just services, but also the trust of its most vital frontline workers.