Former employees of Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) have sought the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to secure their KES 204 million in unpaid dues.
The committee has summoned National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi who did not appear before the committee but sent a notice asserting that the Government is under no obligation to settle terminal benefits and SACCO dues that KCC deducted but never remitted.
The CS recommended via letter that the petition be dismissed, a stance that drew swift criticism from Committee members who described the approach as “grossly casual.”
Vice Chair Senator George Mbugua expressed dismay at the Cabinet Secretary’s remarks, calling Mbadi’s absence and lettered recommendation a disservice to the aging petitioners.
“Even if it takes two years to see this through, we will not relent until justice is served,” he stated. “These elderly petitioners dedicated their lives to service; it’s unimaginable that CS Mbadi would recommend dismissing their plea without due consideration,” he added.
Compounding frustrations, Co-operatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya also missed the meeting, sending Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi in his stead.
The repeated absences sparked further calls for accountability.
Senator Alexander Mundigi (Embu) proposed issuing final invitations to both Cabinet Secretaries to appear, warning that summons would follow should they not appear. Penalties—including fines of up to KES 500,000 or, ultimately, arrest—could follow if they fail to comply.
Mundigi invoked the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, underscoring the Committee’s authority to demand cooperation and appearance of witnesses.
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Senator Miraj Abdullahi insisted that the Cabinet Secretaries should held financially accountable, suggesting a surcharge to reimburse petitioners who have now travelled multiple times from across the country only to encounter empty chairs at each meeting.
“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,” she argued.
Committee members’ called for swift action come amid growing concern for the petitioners, many of whom are now elderly.
The senators indicated that they are prepared to pursue the matter to its conclusion, ensuring that the petitioners’ decades-long wait for justice finally ends.
The Committee meeting brought together representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, New KCC Company Secretary Irene Mbito and the petitioners.
By Obegi Malack
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