CCTV: Workers Expose Pattern of Abuse at Mombasa Apparel Factory

Multiple employees at Ashton Mombasa Apparel EPZ Ltd have come forward with serious allegations of workplace abuse against the company’s General Manager, according to information received by this publication.

Workers at the Jomvu-based apparel factory claim that General Manager Varun Kamal has created a hostile work environment characterized by verbal harassment, intimidation, and, in some instances, physical assault.

“He regularly shouts at, harasses, insults, and abuses local staff,” said one employee who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. “Some incidents have reportedly been captured on the company’s CCTV system.”

Several employees further allege that Mr. Kamal, described as an expatriate of Asian descent, has terminated long-serving staff members who voiced concerns about his management practices. According to these sources, multiple employees with over a decade of service have been dismissed as “non-performers” at the end of their contracts after speaking out against the alleged misconduct.

When reached for comment, Ashton Mombasa Apparel EPZ Ltd did not immediately respond to inquiries about these allegations.

The employees calling for intervention say multiple victims are prepared to provide testimonies and evidence to authorities. They are specifically appealing to local police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Mombasa Labour Office to investigate the situation.

“This foreigner has been acting with total impunity, taking the law into his own hands,” another source stated. “We need protection for the workers.”

Labour rights advocates note that Kenya’s Employment Act prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination, with specific protections against unfair termination.

The allegations come at a time of increased scrutiny of working conditions in Kenya’s export processing zones, which employ thousands of Kenyans in manufacturing operations.

This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.