Bank sued for forcing staff to work on sabbath

By Pamela Chepkemei

Kenya: Three bank employees who are adherents of the Seventh Day Adventist Church have sued their employer for forcing them to work on Saturdays.

The three who work for the Kenya Post Office Savings Bank have asked the Industrial Court to make orders declaring their rights to freedom of conscience, religion and belief, opinion, right to equality and freedom from discrimination have been violated by their employer.

Prisca Kemboi, Grace Nyaboke Osoro, Kennedy Tai say they face imminent dismissal after their employer accused them of absconding duty on Saturday, which is their day of worship.

They want the court to halt any intended disciplinary action until their cases is heard.

The bank cites its code of conduct as the basis of compelling them to work on Saturdays contrary to their faith and beliefs.