Healthcare workers across the country have threatened to withdraw their services unless the government ensures their safety, following security breaches during the July 7, 2025 Saba Saba protests that left many traumatized.

Peterson Wachira, the National Chairman of Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) condemned the insecurity witnessed during the July 7 demonstrations.

“A good number of those health workers attacked yesterday are still traumatized,” Wachira stated, blaming the government for neglecting repeated calls for security provisions.

“We asked the government to provide security to the health facilities, but by the time the goons were getting here, we did not have security.”

Health worker Tatio Salingo recounted a harrowing incident, describing how normal causality operations turned chaotic.

“There was a patient that was brought by a group of people and as we were attending to them, there was a gunshot and the guy had already succumbed. When they came in is when we witnessed commotion.”

Meanwhile George Gibore, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), emphasized the long-standing nature of such attacks.

“We have seen this happening since last year… When you see health workers being attacked, Kenyans who are not participating in demos being attacked, it’s a sign that the country is not doing very well.”

Unions have resolved to put the government on notice: all health facilities must be provided with armed security, not just during protests.

“If there are further demonstrations that harm health workers, then we will not be available to provide health services,” warned Gibore. Unions plan to write to the Ministries of Interior and Health, threatening a full withdrawal of members if armed security is not provided.

On Monday July 7 during Saba Saba demonstration, armed goons interrupted an ongoing C-section and vandalised the theatre as well as lit a fire at the hospital gate.