Nakumatt Workers March In Nairobi, Kisumu Over Pay, Mistreatment

Nakumatt supermarket workers took to the streets of Nairobi and Kisumu on Tuesday over unpaid salaries and alleged mistreatment by their employer.

In Nairobi, they marched from the CBD towards Mombasa Road waving placards calling for their demands to be met.

Among those who took part in the Kisumu demonstration were workers from the Mega City and Mega Plaza branches.

Representative Fred Omondi said they get sack threats anytime they ask management for their salaries, which they say have not been paid for at least three months.

"We are ready to be sacked as they have always threatened. We are tired," Omondi said.

Some of the workers claimed they have been blacklisted by their saccos and cannot get loans while others added their houses have been closed over unpaid rent.

A letter from the management cautioned Nakumatt employees against participating in what was termed an illegal strike.

"Such actions are illegal. Any employee who participates will be subject to consequences pursuant to the Employment Act," the letter reads in part.

The warning signed by managing director Atul Shah included an appeal for the workers to maintain calm "as they are doing their best to resolve the issues."

"We are doing everything within our power to make sure challenges the business is facing are sorted out once and for all."

-The Star