Busia – Vanessa Ogema, identified as the woman in a video verbally assaulting staff at Port Victoria Hospital in Busia County, has turned herself in to the authorities. On Sunday afternoon, Ogema arrived at the Busia police station accompanied by three men, her face obscured by a surgical mask and a hood, to give her statement following a police summons.
The event, which took place on January 3, 2023, became a matter of public concern after a video showing Ogema’s aggressive behavior towards the hospital staff circulated widely on social media. The footage sparked outrage as it depicted her accusing the staff of being negligent in their duties.
According to Kenya News Agency, they are currently collecting evidence necessary for Ogema’s prosecution at Busia High Court. This development follows the filing of complaints by the affected hospital staff and a temporary service withdrawal by workers at the hospital, citing concerns for their safety. This action effectively disrupted hospital operations.
The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), through Secretary General Seth Panyako, strongly condemned the incident. Panyako issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Ogema’s arrest, threatening to halt healthcare services across the county if the demand was not met. “There is no work going on here until we’re assured of the security of our healthcare workers. And if that does not happen in the shortest time possible, we will withdraw all healthcare workers in Busia County within 48 hours,” Panyako stated.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha, who was conducting a spot-check in Busia County health facilities at the time, also denounced the incident. She emphasized that such acts of violence against healthcare workers are unacceptable and will be met with severe legal consequences. “Healthcare workers deserve our utmost respect as they are the backbone of our healthcare system,” Nakhumicha remarked.
Additionally, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah expressed his disapproval of the incident and called for legal measures against Ogema. He highlighted the need to safeguard healthcare workers from threats and abuse in their workplace.