A group of Kenyan lawmakers have strongly condemned a manager at a Limuru-based company for allegedly forcing female staff to undress at work.
The manager demanded that the women strip naked in order to identify who had improperly disposed of a sanitary towel.
A section of Kenyan MPs have now come out strongly condemning the management of the Cheese Company.
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri Wangechi called on the government to establish policies that would require private sector companies to install appropriate waste disposal facilities in workplace restrooms.
The legislator argued that with proper disposal facilities, incidents like the one at the Limuru-based company could be prevented. Female workers would hence not be forced to undress for disposing of sanitary towels in the wrong bin.
Kagiri urged the government to conduct a nationwide operation to ensure compliance with these policies. She emphasized the importance of proper working conditions for women. The MP also called for authorities to inspect factories and ensure that they have proper facilities for sanitary disposal.
Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha brought the issue to Parliament. She informed members that the managers responsible for forcing female staff to undress had been apprehended.
Wamuratha has pledged to seek justice for the victims. She has also demanded that the multinational company involved apologize not only to its staff but also to the women of the country.
Thika Town MP Alice Nganga called on the national government to collaborate with employment agencies in order to protect the rights of workers, particularly women who often suffer in silence.
Limuru Sub-County Police Commander, Philip Mwania, confirmed the incident and stated that the suspects had been arrested. The arrested individuals include the plant’s Quality Assurance Manager, Human Resource Manager, and HR assistant.
They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, July 07, to face charges related to the incident.
The company has subsequently announced the suspension of the managers involved.