National Treasury CS John Mbadi and CS Wycliffe Oparanya at a past official event. / Photo: Courtesy
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has issued a stern warning to the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for National Treasury, John Mbadi, and his Cooperatives counterpart, Wickliffe Oparanya, threatening legal action, including arrests, over the long-standing dispute involving former Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) employees.
During a Monday committee session with stakeholders, the Senate emphasized its commitment to ensuring justice for the former employees, who have been waiting for their unpaid dues for nearly 30 years.
The Senate blamed the two CSs for failing to resolve the issue, claiming they had evaded accountability along with other officials.
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare criticized CS Mbadi for neglecting to pay the employees’ terminal benefits and Sacco contributions, despite the deductions being made during their employment.
Mbadi was expected to appear before the committee to explain the delay however failed to show up, instead sending a written apology, which did not sit well with the members.
Committee Vice Chair, Senator George Mbugua, expressed disappointment over Mbadi’s absence, stating that relying on a letter rather than appearing in person was unfair to the petitioners, many of whom are elderly.
“We are determined to see this matter through to the end, no matter how long it takes,” said Mbugua. “These former employees served the nation, and it’s unacceptable that their pleas are being ignored.”
Oparanya, the CS for Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), was also absent from the meeting, sending Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi on his behalf, further intensifying concerns over their accountability.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi proposed issuing a final summons to the two CSs, warning that failure to appear would result in more severe actions, including fines of up to Ksh. 500,000 or possible arrests.
Senator Miraj Abdullahi called for financial accountability from the two officials, stressing that the suffering of the affected employees must not be ignored.
“Those responsible for the delays should bear the financial burden these petitioners have endured,” stated Miraj.
Senators Crystal Asige and Mohammed Faki backed Mundigi’s proposal, urging the swift resolution of the matter to avoid further delays.
The meeting, attended by representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, New KCC Company Secretary Irene Mbito, and the petitioners, concurred with the Senators vowing to pursue justice for the employees until the matter is resolved.