Former employees of Mumias Sugar Company have issued a stern ultimatum, demanding payment of their salary arrears, which they claim amount to Ksh. 2.4 billion. Led by their union chairman, Patrick Mutimba, the ex-workers expressed frustration over their financial struggles, which they attribute to job losses following the takeover by the Sarai Group’s foreign management.
Mutimba criticized the current leadership, questioning the suitability of an investor who displaced local employees and failed to honour pending salary obligations. “We are issuing a 14-day ultimatum. If our dues are not paid, we will initiate industrial action, including legal proceedings,” Mutimba declared.
The workers voiced their grievances over what they see as unfair treatment, noting that while employees of other factories across the country have been paid as pledged by President William Ruto, they remain unpaid.
Appealing to the president directly, Mutimba stated, “People are suffering from stress and struggling to provide for their families while their money is tied up at Mumias Sugar Company. We need urgent intervention.”
The workers have threatened to escalate their protests if their demands are unmet within the stipulated timeframe, including street demonstrations and potential disruption of factory operations. Their plight highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s sugar industry, with calls for government intervention to resolve the crisis and ensure equity for all affected workers.
