A global body representing clinical officers and physician associates has demanded an independent investigation into violence reported during a peaceful demonstration in Makueni County, after a female clinical officer was allegedly left with a fractured arm requiring surgery.
The Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) said it was “gravely concerned” by the September 8, 2026 incident and called for those responsible to be held accountable in line with Kenyan law and due process.
In a statement issued from Accra, Ghana, on September 9, GACOPA said healthcare workers must be able to raise professional concerns and exercise their lawful rights without facing intimidation, harassment, victimisation or violence.
The association said Clinical Officers and Physician Associates play an important role in saving lives, serving communities and helping improve access to quality healthcare.
“Clinical Officers and Physician Associates are healthcare professionals committed to saving lives, serving communities and advancing access to quality healthcare,” GACOPA said.
GACOPA expressed particular concern over reports that a female Clinical Officer was injured during the demonstration and suffered a fracture of the humeral shaft that required surgical intervention.
The organisation wished the injured healthcare worker a “speedy and complete recovery” and said the circumstances surrounding the incident must be established.
It called for an independent, transparent and timely investigation into the reported violence and any allegations linked to the incident.
GACOPA further urged the authorities to take appropriate action against anyone found responsible, stressing that any such action should follow Kenyan law and due process.
The global body also called for stronger protection of Clinical Officers and other healthcare professionals from violence, intimidation and victimisation when exercising their lawful rights.
It said professional grievances and other legitimate concerns should be handled through peaceful dialogue, while authorities and other stakeholders should provide an environment where healthcare workers can speak out without fear.
“We further call for the protection of Clinical Officers and other healthcare professionals from violence, intimidation and victimisation while exercising their lawful rights,” the association said.
GACOPA also appealed to relevant national institutions, human-rights organisations and professional bodies to closely follow developments surrounding the Makueni incident.
It urged the organisations to support efforts to establish what happened and ensure that accountability is achieved where wrongdoing is found.
The association said it stood in professional solidarity with Clinical Officers in Kenya and reaffirmed its call for healthcare workers to be treated with dignity and respect.
“Healthcare professionals deserve dignity, safety and respect – not violence,” GACOPA said.
The statement was signed by Austin Oduor, President of the Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates.