The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare strongly criticized Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and National Treasury CS John Mbadi for failing to attend a meeting addressing the long-standing sh204 million owed to retired Kenya Creameries Cooperative (KCC) employees.
The committee condemned the two officials for their “grossly dismissive” attitude toward the retirees’ three-decade-long struggle to claim their dues, with the issue still facing bureaucratic obstacles.
Members of the committee warned that if Oparanya and Mbadi miss another meeting, they would impose serious consequences to ensure the matter receives the attention it deserves.
Senator Miraj Abdullahi suggested that the two CSs should be held financially accountable, covering the petitioners’ travel expenses incurred due to unmet commitments.
“These people have come at great personal cost; it’s high time those responsible bear these expenses,” Abdullahi said.
Other committee members advocated for even stricter actions.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi proposed that if the CSs fail to appear following a final summons, they should be issued with arrest warrants and fines of up to sh500,000.
CS Mbadi not only failed to attend but also recommended dismissing the petition through a letter, claiming the government is not obligated to cover unpaid benefits or Sacco dues that KCC deducted but never forwarded.
CS Oparanya also did not attend but sent Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi in his place.
The committee’s vice chair, Senator George Mbugua, condemned the disregard for the process as a grave injustice to the elderly petitioners, pledging ongoing support until justice is served.
“Even if it takes two years, we will persist until these former employees receive what they rightfully earned,” he vowed.
His commitment was echoed by senators Crystal Asige, Mohammed Faki, as well as representatives from the Attorney General’s Office and New KCC Company Secretary Irene Mbito, all of whom emphasized the need for a fair resolution.
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