ODM Chungwa House, Party Headquarters//Photo Courtesy
Senate House has warned that dire consequences will mete CS for National Treasury John Mbadi and his ODM counterpart Wickliffe Oparanya, including arrests over controversial KCC tussle.
In a meeting today, the Senate House affirmed that it will make sure justice is served concerning the two ODM cabinet secretaries who have failed to help former KCC employees secure their unpaid dues.
According to the Senate, the former employees of Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) have waited for nearly three decades as the duo and other government officials have sidestepped accountability.
The members of the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare have criticised John Mbadi for failing to settle terminal benefits and Sacco dues to KCC.
John Mbadi, in light to the matter, failed to appear before the committee to answer why remittance has not been done, yet monies were deducted from the employees.
Mbadi, however, in a letter provided reasons for his failure and apologised for not appearing before the committee, something that the members did not take lightly.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi and Cooperatives CS Wickliffe Oparanya in past events//Photo Courtesy
The Vice Chair of the Committee , Senator George Mbugua expressed dismay at the Cabinet Secretary’s remarks, calling Mbadi’s absence and written recommendation a disservice to the ageing petitioners.
The Senator said that the committee will not relent in ensuring justice is served to the affected employees.
“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,” added George Mbugua.
Mbadi’s ODM counterpart, Wickliffe Oparanya, who is the CS for Co-operatives and MSM, also missed the meeting, sending Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi in his place. This repeated absences heated further calls for accountability.
Embu Senator, Hon. Alexander Mundigi proposed that the two be issued final invitations to appear before the Committee, warning that summons would follow incase they do not appear.
He also said that penalties, including fines of up to Kshs. 500,000 or, ultimately, arrest, could follow if they fail to comply.
Senator Miraj Abdullahi urged that Cabinet Secretaries be held financially accountable, for causing suffering to the affected employees.
“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.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige and Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki applauded Senator Mundigi’s proposal and highlighted the urgency of resolving the matter to avoid further delays.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, New KCC Company Secretary Irene Mbito and the petitioners.
They ended with a clear message from the Senators that as long as it takes, they are prepared to pursue the matter to its conclusion, that justice must prevail.
