Gov’t demands answers over mass sacking of Fairmont Norfolk, Mara Safari Club employees

The government has directed the management of Fairmont Hotel and Resorts to justify its decision to sack all employees of its Norfolk and Mara Safari Club establishments.

This comes a day after Fairmont, in a memo through Country General Manager Mehdi Morad, said it had resolved to shut down the two outlets and fire all employees over projected effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on business.

Mr. Morad, while saying termination letters will be issued to the employees by Friday next week, added that they will be entitled to one month’s pay as well as their pension.

The office of the Attorney General on Friday however said it received complaints from the affected employees alleging lack of due process and violation of their employment rights.

In a letter to Mr. Morad signed by Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto, the AG’s office demanded a response on the matter saying it is “of profound public interest.”

“This matter is of public importance and great concern to the Government and in view of the Attorney General’s mandate to promote, protect and uphold the rule of law and defend the public interest, this Office should be very grateful if you would provide it with clarification regarding the said media reports and complaints from employees, including on the veracity thereof and the justification for the taking of such action, if this is the case,” said Mr. Ogeto.

“As you would appreciate, such a decision, if taken, would have far-reaching implications on the well-being of many households and indeed, the Kenyan economy in general. This is therefore a matter of profound public interest, in respect of which this Office demands a response. We look forward to hearing from you, promptly.”