Low Turnout and Harsh Criticism Mark 60th Labour Day Celebrations in Mombasa
The 60th Labour Day celebrations in Mombasa County were met with disappointment and concern as attendance fell short of expectations, with many empty chairs and a notable absence of political leaders.
Image; Gedion Mutiso, COTU representative Coast region addressing the gathering in Tononoka grounds, Mombasa county.
Addressing the gathering, Cotu representative Gedion Mutiso expressed frustration over the political class’s apparent disregard for the event. “The political class is always notorious and arrogant. They only show up at events where they know they'll be heard,” he said. Mutiso recounted a past incident where a security officer forced him to sit in a restricted tent, despite the event being meant for workers. “It’s a shame how workers are disrespected even in their own celebrations,” he added.
Mutiso also took the opportunity to call on President William Ruto to review the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, citing that many workers are yet to benefit from it. “We need real reforms. The SHA program is failing the very people it was meant to help,” he said.
He further urged employers to adhere to labour laws and respect guidelines set by Cotu and the government. “Some employers promise to increase salaries but deliberately fail to implement those changes. If investors can’t follow our laws, then they have no business being in this country,” Mutiso declared.
Raising a serious concern, he accused some security officials and chiefs of involvement in drug trafficking. “Last year I said it and I’ll repeat it—some chiefs are working with those selling bhang and illicit brews. It’s destroying our communities,” he warned.
Mutiso also criticized ferry services at the Likoni crossing, saying they prioritize vehicle transport over pedestrians. “The ferry meant for people is taken by askaris to ferry cars. Then we’re left to stand in the open under scorching sun or pouring rain, in the open ferry.” he lamented.
Delilah Kebo, Chief Shop Steward of the Textile Workers Union, voiced concern over gender exclusion and economic hardships. “It’s the 60th Labour Day, but women still feel left out of key decisions. We are not involved enough in leadership and policy-making,” she said.
Kebo highlighted the burden of high taxation, which she said has worsened the cost-of-living crisis for workers. “Our salaries are swallowed by expenses. High taxes are not only punishing us but also scaring away investors. That’s why so many youths are jobless,” she noted.
The subdued Labour Day event in Mombasa reflected broader frustrations within the workforce, as workers called for accountability, fairness, and real change in governance and labour relations.
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