Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) secretary general Francis Atwoli has condemned attempts by tea firms to evict employees from their staff quarters for taking part in the ongoing industrial action.
Atwoli yesterday said the workers, under the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), should stay put despite intimidation by the tea firms associated with the Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA).
He said the threats by the firms contravene Clause 17 of the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between KTGA and the Union. The clause states that nobody should be evicted from his/her staff quarters when there is a dispute, until the dispute has been reported and determined by a relevant court and such a decision reached.
He also said that the strike is protected by a court order and cautioned tea firms against provoking the workers any further. He added that the managements of the tea companies should come back to the negotiating table to deliberate on ways of ending the impasse.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto have directed the government’s direct involvement in preparations.
“We will do anything the church asks to give Bishop Korir a befitting sendoff as directed by Uhuru,” said Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago said the county will pay for all costs incurred at the Sports club.
“Counties in the North Rift benefited greatly from Korir’s peace work. We will spare a day for prayers at the cathedral before the burial.”
On Thursday, Uasin Gishu county commissioner Abdi Hassan led security teams in an inspection of the church compound.
A programme released by the church indicates the body will be moved from the MTRH morgue to Sacred Heart at 1pm for public viewing, a requiem mass at 3 pm and several masses.
It will be taken to from the cathedral to the sports club at 10am on Saturday and back to the cathedral’s ground for burial at about 3pm.
