Former Employees Behind Safari Rally Pen Letter To Govt Demanding Ksh30 M
They lamented that all efforts to get the Sports Ministry to address their concerns seemed to have been in vain, despite numerous appeals and requests for the ministry to pay the same.
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A group of former government employees charged with organising the annual World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally on Wednesday, April 3 wrote to President William Ruto calling for his intervention in terms of releasing their remuneration amounting to Ksh30 million.
The team, which claimed to have played an important role in the return of the event in 2019, accused the Ministry of Sports of continuously neglecting its obligation to reimburse them by withholding their salaries, pending allowances, and gratuity.
They lamented that all efforts to get the Sports Ministry to address their concerns seemed to have been in vain, despite numerous appeals and requests for the ministry to pay the same.
President William Ruto flagging off the WRC Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on March 28, 2024. /PCS
"The individuals who have served tirelessly in organizing and executing the rally (2019-2023) have been left in a distressing situation due to the ministry's apparent disregard for their wellbeing.
"According to the Employment Act, Section 45(2) an employer is expected to provide valid reasons for termination, otherwise, it will be termed as unfair termination," the letter seen by Viral Tea read in part.
Section 35 states that every employee has the right to be given a Termination notice while Section 36 states that every employee has a right to be given payment in place of the notice.
They further complained that the alleged neglect has not only resulted in financial strain but has also inflicted severe mental anguish upon the ex-employees who are still awaiting their rightful dues.
They also lamented that the disregard for the welfare of the hardworking staff has not only caused financial strain but has also inflicted mental anguish on the former employees who were fired without notice.
"It is with great urgency that we call upon the H.E William Ruto to intervene and ensure that justice is served for these dedicated individuals. Their unwavering commitment and hard work should not go unrecognized, and it is imperative that the ministry upholds its responsibilities towards them," read the statement in part.
"We trust and hope that the President will work towards finding a swift resolution to alleviate the plight of the affected staff."
The former workers also deemed it imperative that the Ministry of Sports recognise the sacrifices and dedication of the Ex-WRC Safari Rally staff and act swiftly to address these grievous injuries.
"The onus now rests on your esteemed office to right this wrong and restore faith in the system," they added.
They also expressed that with Ruto's intervention, the suffering of the individuals would be alleviated as well as the Head of State's reaffirmation of his commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Neither Ruto nor the Ministry of Sports under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba had yet to issue an official response by the time of publishing this article.
The Safari Rally, an international sport and part of the annual WRC calendar, made a grand return in 2021 after enduring a hiatus of nearly 20 years. The event had last taken place in 2002.
The first Safari Rally took place in 1953 as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and gradually grew into a championship that has seen the world's best rallying talent compete on the world's toughest rally.
