Two-year wages wait sparks street cleaners’ protests against Governor Arati in Kisii

Street cleaners in Suneka, Bonchari in Kisii on Thursday protested months of delayed payments by the County government.

They accused Governor Simba Arati of neglecting their welfare despite their critical role in maintaining public hygiene.

The workers, who are part of the county’s casual labour force, claim they have gone for over two years without receiving their wages.

Many now say they are now struggling to meet basic needs like food, rent, and school fees for their children.

“We report to work every night at to clean the streets, sometimes amid the unrelenting elements, to collect garbage, and keep the town neat. But for months now, we haven’t received any pay. How are we supposed to survive?” asked Mary Nyang’ara, one of the affected workers.

The disgruntled sweepers, mostly women, asked Arati to pay them their dues.

“Today we are here demanding answers and immediate action from him. We have written to him severally to no avail,” said John Ombagi, another janitor.

He said while they have continued working without pay, there is rumor that new casuals may being hired under unclear terms.

“It’s like we are being punished for being loyal,” he said.

Ombagi has served as casual labour for ten years now.

They accused the administration of treating them with contempt and as outsiders yet they are residents here.

“There was this baseless accusation that we are for the former Governor James Ongwae. Do staff hired by a government belong to those serving in offices or the people? We were rightly hired to work for the Kisii county people not any governor,” said Irene Kerubo.

“We clean your roads, your gutters, your markets. Yet our children sleep hungry,” said Penina Moraa, a mother of four.

She has swept the town for over eight years.

“How long can a human being work for free?” she lamented.

She said they had been forced to rely on handouts from sympathetic residents, while others have resorted to petty side jobs just to survive.

Some with tears, they described the deep financial strain caused by the salary delays — debts mounting from unpaid rent, school fees, and hospital bills.

Others have been evicted; and their children dropped out of school due to unpaid fees.

“I have a child who is sick, but I cannot afford medicine,” said Joseph Otieno, 50.

Efforts to reach the relevant officials were unsuccessful by the time of publishing.

As the standoff continues, the workers are threatening to down their tools entirely if payments are not processed by the end of the week, a move that could severely impact sanitation and public health in Suneka.

There was no immediate comment from the governor on the claims. His handlers said the matter is being addressed.