Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has spoken out on the hardships Kenyan workers are facing, saying that many are suffering and unhappy.
In a statement on Thursday, May 1, Gachagua said Kenyan workers continue to struggle with the high cost of living and the low pay they are receiving.
He said that the workers are going through anguish, unspeakable pain, and frustration due to the struggles they have been experiencing.
“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.
He added that workers are earning less due to numerous unnecessary deductions, while the cost of living continues to rise.
Gachagua also criticised leaders for wasting public funds by bribing Kenyans to attend public gatherings.
He slammed the government over the continued deductions from payslips, saying they have been “raided for uncouth causes” while the cost of living skyrockets.
“The payslip has been raided for uncouth cause, cost of living skyrockets unbearably, and zero money in circulation as the powers that be trot the globe using public resources, while at home, taxpayers’ money is used to bribe leaders and the public to attend public gatherings,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Gachagua encouraged workers not to lose hope, stating that the situation is not permanent.
“My message to the Kenyan workers as we mark Labour Day is that as they struggle to make ends meet, they should take comfort that this situation is not permanent.
“I assure you that we are a team of patriotic men and women not sleeping, working on strategies to do away with misery, pain, and indignation; we shall restore the dignity of the payslip. God willing, we shall get there,” he added.
Gachagua made the remarks after the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, raised concerns to the government over payslips and called for reforms to reflect current economic realities.
While speaking during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Atwoli urged President William Ruto’s administration to amend the law to allow statutory deductions to be based on basic salary rather than gross pay.
