A clinical officer is facing surgery after suffering a serious arm fracture during an attack on health workers taking part in a peaceful demonstration in Makueni County, prompting their union to demand an urgent investigation into the incident.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) wants police and other investigative agencies to establish what happened during the September 8, 2026 demonstration, saying the health workers were exercising their constitutional and labour rights when they were attacked.
KUCO General Secretary and CEO Gibore Maroah said the officers had notified police before holding the demonstration, raising concern over how the attack was allowed to happen despite the authorities being informed in advance.
According to the union, one Clinical Officer suffered a humeral shaft fracture that requires surgery, while several others were injured during the incident.
Maroah also questioned why no arrests had been made despite claims that those suspected of carrying out the attack, as well as the alleged organiser, were known and could be identified.
“Even more disturbing, despite reports that the suspected attackers and alleged organiser are known and identifiable, no arrests have been made. This is unacceptable,” he said.
KUCO has called on the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Internal Affairs Unit, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to investigate the matter.
The union wants investigators to secure CCTV recordings and digital evidence that could help establish what happened before, during and after the attack.
It has also called for the protection of victims and witnesses as investigations get underway, while asking authorities to establish “who planned, financed, facilitated, participated in or protected” those responsible for the violence.
Maroah further demanded an independent investigation into any allegations involving county officials, saying the process should not be influenced by their positions or connections.
“Serious allegations touching on County officials must equally be investigated independently, impartially and without interference,” he said, adding that “no office, title or political connection places anyone above the law.”
The union has also called on Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to publicly condemn the attack and take steps to ensure Clinical Officers working in the county are safe.
Maroah said disagreements between health workers and the county government should be handled through discussions instead of threats or violence.
“The Governor must condemn the attack, guarantee the safety of Clinical Officers and ensure that legitimate labour grievances are addressed through dialogue not intimidation, violence or organised brutality,” he said.
The incident comes as health workers and county governments continue to face disputes over the implementation of collective bargaining agreements and return-to-work agreements.
KUCO said attacking health workers would not address the issues at the centre of the labour dispute and warned that those responsible for the violence should not escape accountability.
“Violence will not resolve a labour dispute. Intimidation will not silence Clinical Officers. Impunity will not be tolerated,” Maroah said.