The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Bungoma County Public Health Officer Pascal Wakafura, describing the incident as “a heinous act of cowardice” and an attack on the entire public health workforce.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 12, KEHPHPU National Secretary General and CEO Hon. Brown Ashira expressed outrage over the murder of the 48-year-old senior public health officer, who was attacked and killed outside his home in the Forest View area along the Musikoma–Bumula road on Monday evening.

According to the Union, Mr. Wakafura had just arrived home when unknown assailants waylaid him at his gate. Neighbours later discovered his body lying in a pool of blood while the engine of his vehicle was still running, in a chilling scene that has sent shockwaves across Bungoma County and the wider public health fraternity.

“The public health fraternity is in deep mourning. We condemn this heinous act of cowardice in the strongest terms possible,” said Ashira.

“Pascal was a committed professional who served the people of Bungoma with distinction. This is not just an attack on an individual, but an attack on the entire public health workforce that works tirelessly to protect our communities,” he added.

The Union called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service to move with speed and apprehend those behind the killing.

“We call upon the DCI and the Inspector General of Police to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators of this barbaric act to justice immediately,” the statement read.

KEHPHPU also raised concern over the safety of public servants, particularly public health officers who often undertake sensitive enforcement duties in the course of their work.

The Union urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to address what it termed as rising insecurity in Bungoma County and to ensure officers working in the field are adequately protected.

“We demand that the government ensures the safety of public health officers, who are often targeted due to the sensitive nature of their enforcement duties,” Ashira stated.

The Union further pledged solidarity with the family of the slain officer, assuring them of support as investigations continue.

“We stand in solidarity with the family of Mr. Wakafura during this harrowing time and assure them that the Union will not rest until justice is served,” the statement added.

The killing has sparked outrage among colleagues and residents, with calls mounting for swift investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murder.

KEHPHPU said it will continue monitoring the matter closely while urging its members and the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work.

“Justice for Pascal Wakafura,” the Union declared.