Kirinyaga tea farmers protest over bonus
A bill board that was set on fire by protesting farmers on August 27, 2016. PHOTO | GEORGE MUNENE |
What you need to know:
- They lit bonfires at all the entrances to stop truck drivers from delivering tea to the factory for processing.
- The farmers complained that they had had been paid low bonus and demanded for the resignation of all their directors.
Hundreds of farmers stormed Thumaita Tea Factory in Kirinyaga County to protest over poor bonus payment.
Property worth thousands of shillings was destroyed during the Friday evening protest.
The farmers forced their way into the factory and pelted the building with stones causing workers to flee.
They burnt bill boards and a motorcycle.
They lit bonfires at all the entrances to stop truck drivers from delivering tea to the factory for processing.
At one point they intercepted a truck and destroyed tea leaves.
Farmers from Thumaita Tea factory in Kirinyaga County protesting over poor bonus payment. PHOTO | GEORGE MUNENE |
The farmers complained that they had had been paid low bonus and demanded for the resignation of all their directors.
"We have been paid Sh41 per kilogramme of tea instead of Sh46.50.This is unacceptable," one of the farmers said.
The farmers vowed to continue with their protest until they are paid their rightful dues.
"In the neighbouring factories, farmers have been paid between Sh47 and Sh48 per kilo of tea. We want the directors and the factory officials to tell us where they took our money," said another farmer.
They farmers threatened to burn the factory if their grievances were not addressed.
As they protested heavily armed police arrived and engaged them in running battles.
Anti-riot police were called in and dispersed the farmers.
