Flower farm workers snub Saba Saba

NAKURU COUNTY: Hundreds of flower farm workers in Naivasha ignored calls for the Saba Saba rally and reported to their places of work as usual.

Despite tens of workers fleeing the lakeside town, operations in the over 60 farms were normal as police heightened security.

Farm managers, workers and union officials confirmed that all was well though some workers had sought the day off ahead of the rally called by Coalition for Reform and Democracy.

A spotcheck in many of the farms in Naivasha revealed that workers were busy in their work place with production at its peak. During the 2007-08 post-election violence, the sector was adversely affected after workers fled the town as roads leading to the farms were blocked by rioting youth.

Kenya Flower Council Chief Executive Officer Jane Ngige said business was normal and workers had reported to duty as usual. Ms Ngige was, however, quick to admit that some workers from the sprawling Karagita estate had fled the town, though all was quiet.

"We have conducted a survey in Naivasha and workers have reported to duty as usual despite some families relocating due to the rally," she said.

Jack Kneppers, a flower farmer from Maridadi farm, said nearly all his 700 workers reported for duty except a few who had sought permission over the weekend.

"This is just like any other working day and we have not noticed anything unusual," he said.