Tag: kisumu

China Square Faces Allegations of Tribal Favoritism and Unfair Dismissals in Kisumu Branch

China Square, the Chinese-owned retail giant, is once again under scrutiny, this time for allegations of tribal favoritism and unfair dismissals at its new branch in Kisumu, Kenya.

Sources within the company claim that local Luo employees are being systematically targeted for demotion or dismissal, allegedly to be replaced by Kalenjin workers, particularly those with connections to a specific manager, Cess Kosgey.

The accusations have sparked outrage among locals and raised concerns about the company’s hiring practices.

Allegations of Tribal Bias and Nepotism

According to insiders, Kosgey, a manager at the Kisumu store, is accused of harboring a deep disdain for Luo employees while favoring Kalenjin workers, many of whom are reportedly her relatives from Soy, her hometown.

“This woman is really frustrating Luos. This morning, she demoted four Luo supervisors in the hardware section and replaced them with Kalenjins. Last week, she dismissed another 20 Luo employees and brought in Kalenjins from her tribe. She’s really targeting Luos,” one staff member claimed anonymously.

The situation is further complicated by allegations that Kosgey’s influence stems from her family connections within the company.

Her husband is said to be a senior manager at China Square’s headquarters in Nairobi, while her sister, identified only as Mercy, serves as the overall Human Resource Manager for China Square Holdings Kenya.

These connections have fueled accusations of nepotism and unfair labor practices.

China Square’s Response

In response to the allegations, China Square issued a statement dismissing the claims as “misinformation.” The company stated that it had conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and emphasized that recent layoffs were part of a broader staff reorganization aimed at improving operational efficiency and sustainability.

“We recently carried out a staff reorganization, which included some layoffs. This decision was made after careful evaluation of our business performance and was necessary to move toward profitability and ensure the store’s long-term viability,” the statement read.

The company also highlighted that its Kisumu branch currently employs 115 team members, over 70% of whom are from the Kisumu area. It further stressed its commitment to hiring local residents and adhering to labor laws, urging the public not to be swayed by “inaccurate statements.”

Rising Tensions and Calls for Boycott

Despite the company’s reassurances, tensions are rising in Kisumu, with residents taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Calls for a boycott of the store have gained traction online, with many accusing China Square of undermining local employment opportunities and fostering tribal divisions.

A screenshot from the China Square WhatsApp group, obtained by Kenya Insights, shows the management being exposed further even after the press release refuting nepotism claims.

This is not the first time China Square has faced controversy in Kenya. When the retail chain first entered the Kenyan market, it was met with resistance from local traders in Nairobi, who accused it of unfair competition. The traders even threatened to storm and shut down the stores, leading to legal battles.

Echoes of Past Controversies

The controversy in Kisumu echoes past conflicts when China Square first opened its doors in Nairobi. Back then, local traders protested against what they perceived as unfair competition, leading to legal battles and threats to forcibly close down the stores.

China Square’s expansion into Kisumu was initially seen as a positive development. The store opened a Sh. 500 million outlet in November 2024, aiming to tap into the western Kenya market following the success of its Nairobi branches. However, the recent allegations have stirred unrest among Kisumu residents. Social media platforms have been buzzing with calls to boycott the store, reflecting growing discontent and suspicion about the company’s employment practices.

Broader Implications

This situation in Kisumu highlights broader issues of tribalism and favoritism in Kenyan workplaces, often exacerbated by the influence of personal connections in business operations. As tensions rise, local authorities may need to step in to ensure compliance with national labor laws and to mediate the community’s concerns.

China Square’s management has called for calm and urged the public not to spread or be swayed by “inaccurate statements,” emphasizing their role in providing stable jobs and supporting the local economy. However, the effectiveness of these assurances remains to be seen as the community watches closely to see how these allegations are addressed.

February 9, 2025
Raila Says Ruto Is To Blame For Kondele Chaos, “You Provoked The Youth”

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has downplayed Wednesday’s incident in Kondele where Deputy President William Ruto’s convoy was stoned by a rowdy crowd, and says he is to blame.

Speaking to Mbaitu FM on Thursday morning, Odinga said it is Ruto who provoked the youth in his remarks during a roadside rally.

“If you yourself utter a speech that makes the crowd angry, this may make some people react and take action in unsavoury ways,” Raila said, “I however don’t see a problem here since we have come from a different level of democracy to another. Democracy is continuing to thrive in our country.”

Police were forced to lob teargas during the incident that left at least seven vehicles, including Ruto’s, stoned.

No major casualty was reported from the incident in which police lobbed teargas to disperse the rowdy group that had blocked the DP from accessing Kondele.

His convoy was forced to make a U-turn at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital before rerouting back as police cleared the way using teargas canisters.

While at Kondele, stones were hurled at Ruto as he explained his bottom-up economic model. He offered youths and women groups Sh2.5 million each to spur their businesses.

In brief comments over the stone-throwing incident, Ruto condemned political leaders inciting youths saying it was time to liberate Kondele from the culture of hostility.

Ruto insisted everybody is free to visit any part of the country.

He later made his way to the airport to take a chopper to Homa Bay County for a meeting with youths in Kabondo Kasipul Constituency.

“The leader of ODM should stop using innocent youth to throw stones at other leaders because we have matured as a democracy,” he said, “If it is stone-throwing, let them (politicians) be on the frontline with their children.”

The chaos were condemned by several leaders including Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi and KANU’s Gideon Moi who has called for investigations and prosecutions of culprits.

November 11, 2021
Da Place Lounge; Kisumu’s COVID-19 Epicenter.

In the wake of fourth covid19 catastrophic wave of delta variant, that led to Ministry of Interior together with Ministry of health put in place stringent measures in Western Kenya region to curb the upsurge of the cases after the May Madaraka day celebration in Kisumu whereby dusk-to -dawn curfew hours in the Western region was revised back from 10pm-7pm to 4 am while the rest of the country enjoys the privalege of 10pm to 4am.

But turns out that while others are being compliant with government directives, some are derailing the effort to curb the spread by flaunting rules boldy with balls. And as a matter of fact checking which’s a virtue at Kenya insights, with the help of our sources on the ground, we managed to do our due diligence to investigate and unravelled one notorius club – Da Place Lounge which has been flaunting the rules and protocols, superspreading the delta variant – flaunting curfew hours by keeping open past 7pm curfew time, filling up the club beyond capacity with no social distancing and stipulated safety measures.

A one on one with a covid19 survivor who sought anonymity, claimed to had contracted the virus after a party out with a group of ten friends at De place. The source was on job leave and so after partying out, just stayed indoors but after fours days, felt sore throat, Sinus congestion and runny nose of which are unique common with the delta variant but mistook the symptoms as just usual allergies, only for the condition to worsen to shortness of breath and had to be rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) with the help of the neighbor and as an emergency case put on Oxygen support and later diagnosed with the delta variant after the samples were taken for test at KEMRI.

To confirm his source of infection, other friends whom the victim partied with also confirmed their positive infection in their WhatsApp group which they were in together and unfortunately one of the member lost life due to pre-existing condition.

This investigation came after continued complains by the residents who are feeling at risk, innocent victims who’ve been infected as a result of contact tracing possibly originating from such places like De Place Lounge where masking is an option and not rule and so is social distancing.

Below are the photographic evidences of a crowded business joint – Da Place lounge live and kicking past the 7 pm curfew hours. Taken few weeks ago by our crew when 7 pm dusk-to-dawn curfew was still in place.

In 2020 there were complains by Mamboleo estate residents concerning Da Place Lounge. The club hosted large crowds despite state’s direction of banning large public meetings. Kenya insights was informed of a popular show called Kikao which is held on Sundays. Popular celebrities from Nairobi like DJs, musicians and socialites are often invited to the club that attracts over 1,000 guests stuffed in the small club.

Kikao Sunday

Comedian Jalang’o and DJ Joe Mfalme at Da Place

Musician Masauti Kenya performing at Da Place

Residents questioned why despite the curfew in place the club has been allowed to operate till morning in the full disregard of the law. There are allegations that traffic police officers stationed along Mamboleo-Kakamega-Kisumu road allow intoxicated drivers from the club to pass through undeterred.

Question is just how powerful is the club’s owner that he’s operating with impunity and allowed to go about his business as usual. So brazen that the club advertises their events on huge billboards across the city. Eyes are now set on the senior police boss in Nyanza for not acting on the residents’ cries of being exposed to the deadly virus by allowing the club to operate as normal.

Residents speaking to this site are also asking relevant authorities to look into allegations that the club’s owner Mr. Kennedy Angweng is involved in illicit liquor business. “Ask KRA and KEBS to pay a visit to his establishments and where he supplies his liquor to do a standard check. KRA should also take their time to look into the books and see if there’s any possibilities of tax evasion, believe they’ll find something to interest them.” Said a source.

”The club operates beyond allowed times. It’s open while night and whole Kisumu’s social class groups here.” Says another source.

Apparently, Ken, the owner boasts of having the entire local police force in his pocket and nothing can happen to him. Worse, the authority enforcement drink from the same spot on credit to his amusement. “Huyu jamaa juzi alisomea OCS kama mtoto before curfew ya 7pm kutolewa, because wanapewa pesa kila mtu akiona.” A Boda Boda rider talking to Kenya Insights.

“We’re having a particular problem with the club because most of our patients have traces to the club. It’s an issue we’ve raised with the county’s administration but nothing forthcoming. At first it was easily dismissive but now we can’t since the numbers are piling. Investigations should be launched abs they’ll all lead there. If the government is committed, they’ll find the answers. The club doesn’t observe Tanya set COVID-19 protocol and an epicenter of the virus’s spread in Kisumu.” An anonymous medical manager in Kisumu talking to Kenya Insights.

The Delta variant is 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant; first identified in the U.K; which in turn was about 50 percent more transmissible than the ancestral Wuhan strain. Delta has features that allow it to evade some of the body’s immune system defenses and has the highest transmissibility.

As countries struggle to secure vaccines, public health experts are concerned that the Delta variant; the most dangerous and transmissible form of the corona-virus to date. As we accept and ponder over the harsh reality that Covid-19 is wreaking havoc to our families, communities and the nation, let us remain cautious, guard against the spread of the virus by getting vaccinated and adhering to the safety measures and government- WHO protocols to the latter and closure of transmission joints like Da Place.

August 9, 2021
Collapsing Botswana-based Choppies Supermarket Ordered To Deposit Sh7 Million Guarantee

Kisumu Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki has ordered the collapsing Botswana-based Choppies Supermarket to deposit Sh7 million as a guarantee should the firm exit the country without paying their dues.

While delivering his ruling, Justice Ondieki stated that he was aware of the fact that the Kenyan economy was not sound and that withholding a sum of Sh12 million from the company would be unjust. Former employees had moved to court seeking payment of their redundancy fees.

“I shall allow the application to the extent that the respondent deposits Sh7 million to the courts in the next 28 days and direct that the trial be expedited in order to inject monies back to the economy. The fact that the respondent has foreign roots and that has failed to demonstrate that there are assets in Kenya that can be utilized to satisfy a decree in event of the claimants are successful, the fear of financial loss of claimants is real,” ruled the magistrate.

In September, the Botswana-based Choppies Supermarket terminated contracts of over 200 workers effectively after it emerged that the struggling retailer plans to exit the Kenyan market.

Kenyan markets have become tougher for upcoming retail chain stores. In the past few years, the Kenyan market has seen a massive drop of supermarkets including government-owned Uchumi with Ukwala, that, apparently Choppies liquidated being the most recent to start closing its doors after selling empty shelves for a while.

The affected employees said they ought to have been given their dues before being shown the door. According to an employee, the company’s management hasty decision to issue the termination letter before meeting the union leadership was questionable. They moved to court after the company closed some of its branches but failed to pay them redundancy fees amounting to Sh12.5 million.

“Once you clear and leave, you are no longer an employee, and the company may delay paying the dues or even give less pay since we have not discussed how much to expect,” said an affected employee who sought anonymity.

In the case that will be heard on January 13, 2020, Choppies in their response argued that through a meeting on October 7, the two parties entered an agreement to pay the claimants a terminal benefit on redundancy and terminal dues through Barclays Bank. Choppies told the court that the workers had received a payment of Sh686,485 with respect to their terminal fees according to the respondents.

December 11, 2019
UHURUNOMICS: Bankrupt Nakumatt Shuts Down Kisumu’s Mega City Branch

Former East Africa leading retail shop Nakumatt has closed down one of its only remaining 6 stores. The Mega City Branch in Kisumu was yesterday closed indefinitely and employees who had no prior information about the closure were slapped with the devastating news via a notice had been displayed on the doors.

The closure of Mega City now leaves the once-giant retailer with only five branches in the country.

According to the furious 37 employees who were rendered jobless with immediate effect, the retailer had not paid their three months salary arrears.

Angered former employees said that the management of the. Mega City Branch had earlier this year alleged that Sketchers shoes worth Sh900,000 mysteriously disappeared, a move that saw their salary slashed in half as a way to compensate for the loss.

“There is no single day the store has been broken into, so the news of our salary being cut was absurd,” said a visibly angry employee Julius Ochuka.

Angry Ochuka cussed that they had sacrificed themselves to survive on the peanut payments they were given with hopes that they would be paid in full this month.

This is the razor blade a huge number of Kenyans were bluffed to support carelessly without a second thought of how deep it was going to cut the already bankrupt and debt-ridden economy.

November 22, 2019