The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has threatened to call a nationwide strike after nurses in Siaya were violently attacked during a peaceful demonstration at the county government headquarters.

KNUN Deputy Secretary General Maurice Opetu on Wednesday condemned the incident, describing it as proof that Siaya is unsafe for healthcare workers.

“We advise our nurses not to set foot in any of the county premises. We are relaunching the strike, and the governor has to come out and apologise,” Opetu said, demanding a public apology from Governor James Orengo and swift action against those responsible.

Opetu was joined by the President of the National Nurses Association of Kenya, Collins Otieno Ajwang’, who declared the governor’s office compound a crime scene and called for justice for the injured nurses.

KNUN National Trustee Henry Adolwa warned the union would escalate the standoff nationwide if no arrests are made.

“The goons were hired to harm our nurses, and we cannot take it lightly. If nothing is done, we will call for a nationwide strike in solidarity with Siaya nurses,” Adolwa said.

KNUN Siaya branch Secretary Kennedy Hamisi confirmed that over 20 nurses sustained injuries, with two admitted to hospital and the rest treated and discharged.

The union has urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure those behind the attack are brought to book.