LODWAR, TURKANA — Hon. Anaclet Lemuya has launched a scathing attack on the Turkana County Government, accusing the administration of gross negligence and “inhumane” treatment of healthcare professionals as a county-wide strike looms.
The strike, spearheaded by the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), is set to begin on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This follows a separate strike notice from clinical officers, a dual-threat that Lemuya warns will effectively paralyze healthcare for the people of Turkana
The Kotaruk/Lobei Ward MCA expressed grave concern over the potential loss of life, placing the blame squarely on the executive’s failure to honor basic labor agreements.
According to Lemuya, the administration has failed to implement promotions due since October 2025, refused to recruit essential staff, and allowed laboratories to remain closed—forcing existing personnel to work under impossible conditions.
Lemuya raised serious allegations of financial impropriety. He claimed the County Government has failed to remit Social Health Authority (SHA) and pension contributions, despite these amounts being deducted from the workers’ monthly payslips.
“It is wrong, if not evil, for a government to neglect the welfare of its staff, and as if that’s not enough, defraud its staff of their entitlements,” Lemuya stated.
In a particularly sharp rebuke, the MCA highlighted the irony of health workers lacking health insurance. Currently, county staff—including those on the frontlines—are operating without comprehensive medical cover, leaving them and their families vulnerable.
Lemuya is calling for immediate intervention to resolve the grievances of both laboratory and clinical officers, including the payment of SRC salary arrears and the signing of pending Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). With the Wednesday deadline approaching, the pressure is now on the Turkana County Government to prevent a total collapse of the region’s medical services.
