The COTU secretary general in Isinya

By Monica Soila & Sophia Suleiman

There was a workers meeting in Isinya on Sunday 2^nd of March, 2014, which was attended by COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli and area MP Hon. Peris Tobiko.

Majority of people around were not aware of the meeting but on seeing the tents mounted and the music, they formed a gathering. The meeting comprised of mostly flower farm workers from Isinya and  Athi River.People from Athi River were ferried by buses to the venue.

After the entertainment, speakers took to the stage one by one. Flower farms especially P.J Dave Flowers were heavily criticized for poor disposal of harmful chemicals, victimization of workers including poor pay among others. Corruption was termed as the biggest hurdle in addressing challenges facing the workers in the flower farms.Mr.Jonathan Ekai, area D.O was accused for allegedly being on P.J Dave’s payroll.

“These flower farms make millions in a day while those who work for them languish in poverty. Their licenses should be revoked if they don’t comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)”, said Meshack Khisa, from the office of COTU secretary general.

 

Mr. Francis Atwoli,COTU sec. general

The leaders spoke in one voice that something needs to be done to curb the impunity of these ‘rich men’, reffering to the proprietors and owners of flower farms. Those without the CBA form were given a seven day ultimatum whereby they risk losing their licenses and markets for their flowers.

Hon. Peris Tobiko

“I don’t have any court to sue them, a gun to shoot them or any other weapon for that matter, you are my only weapon; that is why I urge you to stand firm on this seven days strike”, said Mr. Atwoli.

 

during the meeting

Population influx has been evident especially in Majengo area, Isinya. It is in this regard that the area MP Hon.Tobiko has decided to put up a school in this area.

“My office has set aside Ksh 1000,000 to start building a school in Majengo”, she said.

As these events start to unfold, and with the attention from the outspoken COTU secretary general; one can only wait and see what comes of it and after how long.