Functions of the Siaya County Assembly were temporarily disrupted on Monday after 382 healthcare workers, who were victims of what they termed “irregular” hiring, stormed the premises.

The workers were protesting a notice published in local newspapers that summoned them to appear before the assembly.

Emily Nabwala, a representative for the workers, stated that the County Assembly, as an oversight body, should instead be summoning the County Public Service Board to account for the hiring process.

“We don’t understand why they summon us, yet we are the petitioners who presented a petition to them,” she said.

The protesting workers marched and danced along the streets of Siaya, temporarily forcing vehicles to take alternative routes.

Ms Nabwala claimed that since the issue came to light, several health facilities have either shut down or ceased offering 24-hour services due to a lack of staff.

She also accused the county government of deliberately trying to downplay the severity of the matter by stating that only 259 health workers were affected, a figure she disputes.

The workers firmly distanced themselves from any claims of bribery, asserting that they were not in a position to initiate such schemes.

“If fraud took place, it could only be orchestrated by the county government employees who had authority over recruitment and documentation,” a worker stated.

The protest comes one week after Siaya Governor James Orengo broke his silence on the matter, promising not to interfere with the inquiry by the County Assembly or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

“At this stage, I wish not to compromise or interfere with the inquiry or interventions that will be taken by the County Assembly or any other investigations that may be launched by the agencies of Kenya’s Criminal Justice system,” Orengo told the press.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to offering full cooperation, including senior officials appearing before the assembly.

Governor Orengo further stressed the importance of following proper hiring procedures.

“There are clear procedures for qualified persons to be appointed and deployed as part of the staff establishment. Jobs must be advertised, applications must be made, and interviews conducted. That is the only path for qualified persons to be appointed and become employees of the County Public Service,” he said.