Governor Under Pressure as Nurses Union Issues 21-Day Ultimatum Over Assault

The Kitui County Government is facing a 21-day ultimatum from the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) following the alleged physical assault of a nurse by a senior official working in the Office of the Governor.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako demanded the immediate suspension of Chief Protocol Officer Gedion Mbingo pending investigations into the alleged assault of its member, Florence Munyithya.

The union said the incident had left Munyithya with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma and professional humiliation, prompting her to seek medical treatment and report the matter to the police.

According to the union, the nurse lodged a criminal report at Kitui Police Station under Occurrence Book (OB) Reference Number 72/18/09/2026. 

She also received emergency medical treatment at Kitui County Referral Hospital and obtained a completed P3 form documenting her injuries.

Panyako further stated that Munyithya formally notified the county administration through a comprehensive complaint submitted to the Office of the County Secretary in a letter dated September 21 which was received on September 22.

Panyako condemned the alleged assault, insisting that the county government had a responsibility to protect healthcare workers and ensure that those accused of attacking them were held accountable.

"The Kitui County Government must answer for an egregious assault against a nurse, as an assault on one nurse is a direct assault on the entire nursing profession," he wrote.

Panyako identified Mbingo as the alleged perpetrator and said the union would not tolerate violence against its members in the course of their duties.

He maintained that the union's responsibility extended beyond representing nurses in employment matters to safeguarding their dignity, security and welfare in the workplace.

"As a Union, we exist to protect our members and ensure that their safety, honor, and dignity are fiercely respected within their places of work. We will not stand by while healthcare workers face violence and intimidation on the frontlines," he added.

Panyako outlined several demands to the Kitui County Government, including the immediate suspension of James pending investigations and disciplinary proceedings, the conclusion of criminal investigations into the alleged conduct, and written assurances that healthcare workers would be protected from violence.

It also pledged to provide legal representation to Munyithya as she pursues justice over the incident.

Panyako warned that failure by the county government to meet its demands within the stipulated period could trigger further action, including legal proceedings and industrial action.

"Take notice that if the above demands are not met in full within 21 days of this letter, the Union shall undertake any action that is legal made to protect and safeguard our members in place of work which actions may include but not limited to legal and industrial actions," he further said.

Elsewhere, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is facing pressure from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) over its decision to suspend the implementation of reviewed remuneration and benefits structures for State and public officers in County Governments.

SRC suspended with immediate effect the implementation of the remuneration and benefits structures for county officers under the 2025/26–2028/29 review cycle.

The decision followed consultations between SRC and the Council of Governors, with the commission citing concerns over fiscal sustainability and the affordability of the public wage bill.

In a rejoinder on Tuesday, September 29, KMP8DU Secretary General Davji Atellah criticised the decision, saying the suspension would have implications for county workers whose remuneration had been reviewed.

Atellah questioned the application of fiscal responsibility measures to county workers, arguing that public servants working under devolved governments should not be treated differently.

"We cannot have one National Treasury and one public wage bill, yet apply fiscal responsibility selectively when it comes to devolved workers," he added.

Atellah said county health workers and other employees serving under county governments require fair and predictable remuneration to effectively deliver public services.

"County health workers and other county employees are public servants who deserve fair, predictable and equitable remuneration. Devolution cannot mean devolving responsibilities while withholding the resources and conditions necessary for workers to deliver essential services," he further said.