Three directors resign as pressure mounts over tea bonus

A tea farm in Ndakaiini, Murang'a. [File, Standard]

Tension is rising at the troubled Githambo Tea Factory in Murang'a after the resignation of three directors citing uncooperative farmers.

Factory chairman Joseph Karanu, and two directors Stanley Jaguar Wagura, and Winnie Njoki resigned.

This has left only registered directors, Moses Macharia, Joseph Njoroge and Samuel Githu who were elected on June 29 during the Kenya Tea Development Agency elections.

The trio resigned as the tea plucking boycott entered the second week as the farmers protest over the approval of Sh42 instead of over Sh60 bonus.

Karanu said the tea price is always pegged on quality citing the neighbouring Gacharage factory that approved Sh62.80.

He highlighted the factory milestones achieved under his administration, with farmers paid Sh1.85 billion annually for 25 million kgs of green leaf.

"I have resigned from the leadership of Githambo tea factory and have notified the 8,000 plus farmers," said Karanu.

Earlier, the Kahuro sub county security committee ordered the immediate closure of the tea factory citing security reasons.

Local Deputy County Commissioner Esther Mwamure and Murarandia MCA Peter Munga had tried to resolve the stalemate but the farmers were adamant, demanding a bonus of Sh60 up from Sh42.

Ms Mwamure told the farmers that the factory was incurring huge losses owing to the tea plucking boycott.

"For security reasons the factory will remain closed and guarded by the police to enable farmers to engage with the directors for a working solution," said the DCC.

The factory received in excess of 100,000 kilogramme of green leaf estimated at Sh2.5 million a day, translating to a loss of Sh17.5 million since the boycott started.

In Gatanga, there was tension at Ngere tea factory after a section of farmers demonstrated to demand a bonus payment of Sh70 above the approved Sh62.

Scores were arrested and detained at Kirwara Police Station.