A dramatic confrontation unfolded on November 6, 2025, when members of the Tailors and Textile Workers Union stormed a textile factory in Athi River to protest against what they termed as abuse and unfair treatment of employees.
The protest saw dozens of factory workers join union officials in demanding improved working conditions and respect for labour rights. According to witnesses, tension rose quickly, forcing police officers to intervene after private security guards were overwhelmed by the irate crowd.
Union representatives accused the company’s management of ignoring repeated grievances raised by employees over several months. They cited prolonged working hours, constant warning letters, and unexplained salary deductions as key issues.
“We are being mistreated and humiliated in a foreign language. They also deny us the right to form or join unions to negotiate better terms,” one protesting worker lamented.
Employees further accused some foreign supervisors of mistreating them and communicating in languages they could not understand, creating what they described as a hostile and discriminatory work environment. Another worker alleged that pregnant women were being unfairly targeted and dismissed without valid reasons.
During the standoff, police were forced to disperse protesters after a group attempted to access the production area. Video footage showed some foreign managers, including one alleged to be of Chinese nationality, trying to repel the workers.
A representative from the company later addressed the crowd, stating that management had agreed to involve labour unions in resolving the dispute contrary to claims that the firm had previously blocked unionisation efforts.
Union officials have since called on the Ministry of Labour to step in and ensure the protection of workers’ rights, vowing to continue advocating for union recognition within the firm.
As of publication, the company had not released an official statement on the incident or responded to the allegations raised by employees.
