Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has launched a scathing attack on nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, accusing her of running a fake recruitment agency for export of labour and threatening to have her removed from her Senate position.
“I will not be distracted by slayqueens or rogue people,” declared a visibly agitated CS Mutua during his appearance before the Senate Labour Committee, where he defended his ministry’s foreign employment program against allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The fiery confrontation comes amid growing concerns over the fate of Kenyans seeking employment abroad, with Senator Orwoba questioning the transparency of the process and alleging that thousands of citizens have been defrauded.
In a formal letter to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, CS Mutua accused Senator Orwoba of not only spreading misinformation but also of “extorting recruitment agencies” and threatening ministry officials.
“Her assertion that this programme is a scam and that nothing has taken place is not only false, it is reckless and damaging,” Mutua stated firmly during the committee proceedings.
“Baseless political theatrics aimed at sowing fear and undermining public trust will not be entertained. We are dealing with people’s lives and futures, not political popularity contests.”
The dispute centers on allegations by Senator Orwoba that 89 Kenyans had paid 15,000 shillings each to recruitment agencies but were yet to secure promised jobs abroad.
CS Mutua countered that the opportunities were being rolled out in phases and that those who hadn’t traveled had received refunds.
In a radio interview this morning, CS Mutua further inflamed tensions by claiming that complaints about the foreign jobs program were concentrated in “one community” that had been “incited by somebody from that community,” though he declined to name the specific community or the alleged instigator.
“Agencies are now saying that we don’t want to work with this community because of a delay of one week, and they are taking to the streets,” Mutua alleged.
“That community is a very good community; they are very patient; they are very good people, but when you incite them for personal gains because you want to run for office or something, it brings a problem.”
Senator Orwoba, while acknowledging her office was working with the National Employment Authority to secure jobs for youth from Bobasi, defended her actions as part of her oversight responsibilities.
The Labour Ministry has meanwhile announced plans to avail funds through the Youth Development Fund and Uwezo Fund to help Kenyans access loans for recruitment fees, and has cautioned job seekers against traveling on tourist visas instead of proper work visas.
“I remain focused on building an honest, accountable, and effective labour migration system that serves and uplifts every Kenyan,” CS Mutua declared in his statement. “We will not be distracted.”
The Senate Labour Committee has yet to fully discuss CS Mutua’s letter, but has challenged Senator Orwoba to table evidence supporting her claims that thousands of Kenyans were defrauded under the Labour Ministry’s watch.
As this high-stakes political battle unfolds, the future of Kenya’s foreign employment program—and potentially Senator Orwoba’s position—hangs in the balance.
