Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has spoken out against the rising cost of living and shrinking earnings facing Kenyan workers, saying the situation has left many in pain and frustration.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 1, during the 60th Labour Day celebrations, Gachagua said the plight of workers remains dire and largely unchanged.
“As we mark the 60th Labour Day celebration, the story of the Kenyan worker is the same: unspeakable pain, anguish, and utter frustration.
We know no Kenyan worker is happy, and to wish them such is only additional pain,” he said.
Gachagua criticised the government’s continued imposition of what he termed “unnecessary deductions” from workers’ payslips, which have worsened their financial strain.
He added that the high cost of living has made it even harder for workers to survive, with little to no money in circulation.
He further accused leaders of misusing public resources, including spending on travel and bribing citizens to attend public events.
“The payslip has been raided for uncouth causes, cost of living skyrockets unbearably, and zero money in circulation, as the powers that be trot the globe using public resources,” he stated.
Despite these concerns, Gachagua urged workers not to lose hope. “This situation is not permanent.
We are a team of patriotic men and women working to eliminate this misery and restore dignity to the Kenyan worker. God willing, we shall get there,” he said.
His remarks followed a call by COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who urged the government to amend labour laws and ensure statutory deductions are based on basic salary, not gross pay.
Atwoli made the appeal during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
Atwoli Wants Deductions Be Based On Basic Salaries
