In a situation that has persisted for nearly three decades, former employees of Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) are encountering renewed challenges in their pursuit of KES 204 million in unpaid terminal benefits and cooperative savings dues. As Cabinet Secretaries and other government officials evade accountability, members of the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare have raised sharp criticisms, highlighting the government’s failure to address the plight of these aging petitioners.
The issue, which has festered for years, took a contentious turn when National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi declared that the government is under no legal obligation to settle the outstanding dues that KCC deducted but failed to remit. Notably absent from the Senate Committee meeting, Mbadi communicated his position through a letter recommending the dismissal of the petition. This approach provoked immediate backlash from Committee members, who characterized the response as “grossly casual” and indicative of a lack of respect for the petitioners’ plight.
Vice Chair Sen. George Mbugua expressed deep disappointment with Mbadi’s absence and the recommendation, labeling it a disservice to the elderly petitioners. “Even if it takes two years to see this through, we will not relent until justice is served,” Mbugua asserted. “These elderly petitioners dedicated their lives to service; it’s unimaginable that CS Mbadi would recommend dismissing their plea without due consideration.”
The frustrations intensified as Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya also failed to attend the meeting, delegating Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi to represent him. This pattern of absences prompted further calls for accountability from the Committee members, who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of government engagement on the issue.
Sen. Alexander Mundigi of Embu suggested issuing final invitations to both Cabinet Secretaries, warning of potential summons should they continue to disregard the Committee’s authority. He referenced the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act to underscore the Committee’s power to ensure compliance, which could include fines up to KES 500,000 or even arrest for noncompliance.
Echoing Mundigi’s sentiment, Sen. Miraj Abdullahi called for financial accountability from the Cabinet Secretaries. She proposed a surcharge to reimburse petitioners who have incurred substantial costs traveling from various parts of the country only to face empty chairs at each session. “These individuals have shown up at great personal cost; it’s time we make sure their expenses are covered by those responsible for these delays,” Abdullahi argued.
The urgency for resolution is compounded by the advancing age of many petitioners. Senators Crystal Asige and Mohammed Faki of Mombasa joined the call for swift action, stressing the importance of addressing the matter promptly to avoid prolonging the suffering of those involved.
