Managerial negligence? Cooking oil firm, Golden Africa Kenya Ltd on the spot over death of 3 workers inside factory in Athi River
The management of the Athi River based cooking oil production firm, Golden Africa Kenya Limited risk a class action law suit over alleged management negligence that led to the painful death of three workers through suffocation inside the premises over what has been attributed to improper working conditions, The Informer has established.
On December 24, 2022 at 11am, Stephen Okoth, Kelong Mathew Kiprotich and James Wanjala are said to have gone to clean waste collection tanks with sludge in it when they died through suffocation.
According to insiders, the cleaning procedure the deceased were forced to adopt is said to have been “risky and hazardous.” An insider who spoke to us on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals intimated.
By the time of going to press, attempts to reach the company management led by Golden Africa Kenya Ltd Managing Director Fathi Aw Hayel Saeed had not responded to our queries as a right of reply.
“It is a very devastating experience and we call upon the Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli to intervene and help the suffering workers here to address the poor working conditions, nepotism and harassment by the management. Okoth went in first and seemed all was not well when he made a distress call asking for help. Kiprotich and Wanjala went in to assist him, but none of them came out alive.” Our source added.
Their bodies were taken to Machakos Level 4 Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
Among the first responders were Athi River Sub County Police Commander Mary Njoki who confirmed the incident.
The trio died at the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) section, which consists of a series of big waste collection tanks.
The tanks hold waste temporarily before they are treated and disposed of. The sludge is treated periodically, at least once every six months.
The cleaning is done either manually or mechanically.
“When done manually, it is a risky affair that should be closely supervised, and necessary equipment that includes oxygen tanks and masks should be used. Unfortunately, the victims did not have the safety equipment with them. The company did not provide them with the needed equipment. Ideally, the sludge should be opened at least 24 hours before anyone is allowed in.” Our source observed.
Golden Africa Kenya Ltd (GAKL) is the parent company of Pika cooking oil, Avena cooking oil, Zenta bar soap and Super Sapa bar soaps among other products.
“Golden Africa Kenya Limited draws its lineage from the Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA) family which is one of the most respected industrial, trading and service names in the Middle-East. Inspired by the HSA family heritage, we are committed to provide highest quality products to our consumers.” The firm says on its official website.
