Multiple merchandisers working with dairy brands have come forward with troubling accounts of mistreatment and coercion allegedly perpetrated by a line attendant at Quickmart Oginga Odinga Road branch in Kisumu.
The employee is accused of using his position within the supermarket’s milk section to exploit, harass, and unfairly target merchandisers operating in the store.
According to a detailed account from one merchandiser, the attendant allegedly demanded refunds for expired products by sending photos claiming he had already compensated loss control, but failed to produce receipts when requested.
Upon questioning this practice, the merchandiser was reported to their team leader, with the attendant allegedly using the individual’s health condition to portray them as unfit for work.
The report claims the employee was nearly dismissed before being transferred to a different store.
Several merchandisers echo similar experiences, stating that the attendant often acts with impunity, allegedly soliciting personal favours and punishing those who decline by obstructing their work or calling for their removal from the outlet.
One common complaint is that he heavily promotes KCC milk products while dismissing competitors, even in front of customers, a move that some say undermines fair competition and misrepresents other brands on the shelves.
Those affected describe an environment of intimidation and favouritism, with suggestions that the attendant’s conduct compromises the professional standards expected within one of Kenya’s fastest-growing supermarket chains.
Calls are mounting for Quickmart management and relevant supervisory authorities to investigate the conduct of line attendants and protect merchandisers from retaliation, bias, or unprofessional behavior while carrying out their roles.
“Hello Mr. Nyakundi, please hide my ID. I am a merchandiser from a milk company, I won’t mention it. I had a problem of falling because of blood pressure. The guy called Denis Kiprono, line attendant of the milk section at Quickmart (OGINGA ODINGA), used to send a picture that the loss control had found an expiry and he had paid, so he always wanted a refund. Without hesitation, I sent the money. One day I insisted to see a receipt, the guy refused, so on that I didn’t send the money. The big-headed guy (Denis Kiprono) took his phone and made a call to my team leader that I always do nothing rather than falling every time at work. I almost lost my job but luckily I got transferred to another store. Worst thing that made me post this is that the guy only advocates milk from KCC. He always says, “maziwa yetu ya KCC ndo maziwa, hiyo ingine yote ni maji tupu,” and he was shouting in front of a customer. Customer shook her head, picked a pack of Tuzo milk and went around, called me with signs, and she insisted that I should report the guy. Customer told me that I send this report to you Mr. Nyakundi because you always help. #We want an immediate transfer or shifted to another store because he is not a qualified marketer at all.”
