Vanessa Ogema, the woman who was captured on camera abusing hospital staff at Port Victoria Hospital in Busia County has surrendered to the police today.
Ogema walked to Busia police station on Sunday afternoon while covering her face with a surgical mask and a bulky hood in the company of three men to record her statement after she was summoned.
The incident, which occurred on January 3, 2023, gained widespread attention after a viral video circulated on social media, showing Ms Ogema verbally abusing hospital staff and accusing them of laxity.
This comes after those she assaulted recorded their statements with the police a day after workers at the hospital withdrew their services in fear of their security paralyzing operation.
According to the police, they are gathering necessary evidence before they arraign her to face charges at Busia High Court.
Her summon by police come a day after Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Panyako condemned the incident issuing 48 hours ultimatum for the suspect to be arrested or all services be withdrawn from healthcare facilities across the county.
“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.” quipped Panyako.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha who was on a spot-check visit to health facilities in Busia County at the time of the incident also condemned the incident saying that the perpetrators of such acts will face the full force of the law.
“Acts of violence against our healthcare workers are not only reprehensible but intolerable. Healthcare workers deserve our utmost respect as they are the backbone of our healthcare system. They work tirelessly – sometimes under challenging conditions to ensure the well-being of all citizens across different hospital levels,” CS Nakhumicha said.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah also condemned the incident and called for legal action to be taken against the woman.
“This is rudimentary, illegal, and immoral. The attitude and action to threaten healthcare workers at their place of work should be curtailed,” said Atellah.
By Absalom Namwalo
