Laikipia County government workers down tools

LAIKIPIA, KENYA: Laikipia county government casual workers downed their tools on Monday to protest against failure by the government to pay them.
The move paralysed services in Nyahururu, Nanyuki and Rumuruti towns.
The workers claimed they have not been paid for the last three months and accused some county officials of playing games with their wages.
Activities at the Nyahururu town hall that houses the office of several County Executives committee members (CECs) and Laikipia West Sub County Administrator remained closed for the better part of the day as the casual workers locked the offices and entrance gates.
Early in the morning, the workers blocked other county officials from accessing their offices.
Other services that were affected as a result of the stand-off included the garbage collection, collection of market and parking fees among others.
Speaking to the press, Igwamiti Ward Member of County Assembly Joseph Kabachi said it was unfortunate to see county workers going for months without payments yet other staff continue to receive their salaries promptly.
He said the workers have worked diligently for the last three months and despite several consultations with county officials, nothing has been forthcoming.
"We will not wait for negotiations anymore and they will only resume work once they are paid their dues. This is a matter that has affected all the casual workers," he noted.