The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has strongly criticised Nyakach Member of Parliament and Kisumu gubernatorial aspirant Aduma Owuor over remarks perceived as belittling the nursing profession. 

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, KNUN Deputy Secretary General Maurice Opetu accused Owuor of making derogatory statements against nurses and questioned his suitability for leadership.

“We strongly condemn the discriminatory and demeaning remarks made by Aduma Owuor against nurses. Nurses are highly trained professionals who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in various fields both in Kenya and globally,” said Opetu.

The union official was reacting to remarks made by Owuor suggesting that Kisumu residents should not move “from electing a professor to electing a nurse” as governor, comments that have sparked sharp reactions from nursing professionals.

Opetu maintained that nurses possess the skills, knowledge, integrity and leadership capabilities required to hold public office and manage major institutions. 

He pointed to examples of nurses occupying senior leadership positions in healthcare, academia, law and public service.

“Nurses are professors, lawyers, administrators and leaders. They have every constitutional right to seek elective positions and serve the public in any capacity,” he said. 

The union further accused Owuor of undermining the contribution of nurses to Kenya’s healthcare system and warned against what it termed as attempts to portray the profession as inferior.

Oron endorsed amid row

In a move that could have political implications ahead of the 2027 General Election, KNUN openly endorsed Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, who is also seeking the Kisumu governorship.

According to the union, Oron, a trained nurse, has demonstrated respect for healthcare professionals and has focused on policy issues rather than attacking individuals or professions.

“We may not know who will ultimately be elected governor of Kisumu County, but we know one person who should not be elected, and that is Aduma Owuor. We are calling on nurses, their families and other health workers to support Joshua Oron for governor,” said Opetu.

He described Oron as a leader who rose from a humble background through education and professional dedication, arguing that his achievements demonstrate the leadership potential within the nursing profession.

The endorsement sets the stage for an increasingly competitive contest for the Kisumu governorship, with political temperatures already beginning to rise as aspirants seek support from various professional groups and voting blocs.

The nurses’ union said its position was informed not only by the remarks attributed to Owuor but also by the need to defend the dignity of healthcare workers who have played a critical role in the country’s health system. 

Union officials argued that nurses have for years been at the forefront of delivering healthcare services, often under challenging conditions, and deserve recognition rather than ridicule.

Opetu noted that the nursing profession has evolved significantly, with many practitioners advancing into leadership, management and policy-making positions. 

He said reducing nurses to their traditional clinical roles ignored the immense contribution they continue to make in shaping healthcare and public service both locally and internationally.

The remarks and subsequent endorsement are expected to inject a new dimension into the emerging Kisumu gubernatorial race, where aspirants are increasingly seeking support from professional associations, community groups and grassroots networks ahead of the official campaign period.