KUCO Statement on Attack on Clinical Officers During Demonstration in Nairobi

On 13th May 2025, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Nairobi Branch, exercising their constitutional right under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya and provisions of the Employment Act, staged a peaceful procession to present a petition to H.E Governor Sakaja. This demonstration was in relation to historical unresolved labour disputes with the Nairobi City County Government, which has culminated in the ongoing legally protected industrial strike. Pending issues include failure to promote and redesignate Clinical Officers, failure to implement the approved Career Guideline for Clinical Officers in accordance with the return-to-work formula of 2024.

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), on behalf of all Clinical Officers across the country, particularly those in Nairobi County, unequivocally condemns in the strongest terms the acts of violence, intimidation, and unprovoked destruction of property executed against our members during this peaceful procession. The attackers, who identified themselves as operatives affiliated with the Nairobi County Government and H.E. the Governor Sakaja, deliberately assaulted Clinical Officers and vandalized union property, including an official vehicle ferrying our public-address equipment. This occurred in full view of both National Police Service officers and Nairobi County Enforcement personnel. After our investigation, we found that the perpetrators are officers attached to the office of the governor.

This incident amounts to a blatant violation of the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act, and other established legal protections governing peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and industrial action. It reflects a gross affront to the rule of law and an attack on frontline health professionals.

As a respectable trade union, we demand that the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations immediately initiate an investigation, apprehend, and prosecute the assailants to ensure accountability and the restoration of law and order, because they are known. We assure our members that we have in our possession credible evidence identifying specific individuals responsible, and we shall ensure that justice is served.

We further call upon H.E. Governor Johnson Sakaja to take personal responsibility and urgently intervene to resolve the impasse that is denying the Nairobi citizens critical services. Constructive dialogue and lawful resolution of the dispute are paramount to restoring industrial harmony and ensuring that Clinical Officers can resume their duties in serving the great people of Nairobi County with dedication and morale. We remind H.E. Governor Sakaja that what workers are asking for was what he promised to address during his campaign, stating that no workers should be left to suffer under a working government with goodwill, which aligns with the workers' demand.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

George Maroah Gibore

GENERAL SECRETARY & CEO