After nearly three decades of waiting, former employees of Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) face fresh obstacles in securing KES 204 million in unpaid dues, as Cabinet Secretaries and other government officials sidestep accountability, prompting sharp criticism by members of the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.

The drawn-out issue took a contentious turn when National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi asserted that the Government is under no obligation to settle terminal benefits and SACCO dues that KCC deducted but never remitted. Mbadi, who was notably absent from today’s Committee meeting, 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 Sen. George Mbugua expressed dismay at the Cabinet Secretary’s remarks, calling Mbadi’s absence and lettered recommendation a disservice to the ageing 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.”

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. 

Sen. 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. Sen. Mundigi invoked the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, underscoring the Committee’s authority to demand cooperation and appearance of witnesses.

Sen. Miraj Abdullahi urged that Cabinet Secretaries be 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’ calls for swift action come amid growing concern for the petitioners, many of whom are now elderly. Sen. Crystal Asige and Sen. Mohammed Faki (Mombasa) echoed Sen. Mundigi’s proposal and highlighted the urgency of resolving the matter to avoid further protracted delays. 

The Committee meeting, which also brought together representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, New KCC Company Secretary Irene Mbito and the petitioners, ended with a clear message from the Senators: as long as it takes, they are prepared to pursue the matter to its conclusion, ensuring that the petitioners’ decades-long wait for justice finally ends.