A storm is brewing in Kitui County after the nursesโ union issued a 21-day strike ultimatum to Governor Julius Malombeโs administration over allegations that his Chief Protocol Officer assaulted a senior nursing officer during preparations for an official project commissioning at Vinda Dispensary.
The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), led by General Secretary Seth Panyako, is demanding action against Gedion Mbingo James, who has been accused of physically assaulting Florence Munyithya, the Deputy County Nursing Officer and Vertical Transmission Prevention (VTP) Focal Person.
According to a formal complaint, Munyithya was coordinating event logistics when a disagreement reportedly erupted over the arrangement of tents ahead of the Governorโs arrival.
The complaint alleges that James became hostile during the exchange, made derogatory remarks about taking instructions from women and threatened to strike the nursing officer.
Photo credit: County Government of Kitui/Facebook.
Munyithya reportedly blocked an initial attempt to hit her but was subsequently struck on the back before colleagues intervened. The alleged incident took place in the presence of several county health officials, a teacher and two Grade 6 pupils who were expected to participate in the ceremony.
The County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation was notified and visited the scene. Governor Malombe arrived shortly afterwards, and the commissioning proceeded as scheduled.
Nurse Reports Alleged Assault to Police
Following the incident, Munyithya reported the matter at Kitui Police Station under Occurrence Book reference OB No. 72/18/09/2026.
She subsequently sought medical attention at Kitui County Referral Hospital, where a P3 form was completed to document her injuries.
On September 21, 2026, she submitted a formal administrative complaint to the Office of the County Secretary, alleging that the incident was not an isolated case of abusive conduct.
The allegations have now escalated into a labour dispute, with KNUNM expressing concern over what it says has been a lack of immediate administrative and disciplinary action.
Nurses Issue 21-Day Ultimatum
In its demands, the union wants James suspended pending a full disciplinary review and calls for a thorough criminal investigation into the allegations.
KNUNM is also demanding firm assurances that healthcare workers across Kitui County will be protected against workplace violence, intimidation and gender-based harassment.
The union has warned that failure by the county leadership to address its demands within 21 days could trigger legal proceedings and industrial action, raising the prospect of a nursesโ strike in the county.
The dispute places pressure on the Malombe administration to respond to the allegations and the unionโs demands before the ultimatum expires.
IPOA and Other Oversight Bodies Notified
The matter has also been referred to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) under reference number IPOA/CMU/005053/2026.
Copies of the complaint were reportedly sent to the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) and the Kitui County Public Service Board.
The coming days could prove critical as the county government faces calls to address the complaint and avert a possible industrial dispute affecting healthcare services.
The allegations against James have not been independently established. His response and the county governmentโs official position on the matter were not included in the information available for this report.
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