Hello Cyprian,

Kindly hide my identity.

Following the recent concerns raised about workplace conditions within various departments at CITAM, I would like to draw attention to what I believe is another deeply troubling issue within the church's catering department.

As a former employee, I witnessed and personally experienced what I can only describe as a culture of intimidation, favouritism, and victimization that has allegedly persisted for years, affecting the welfare and mental well-being of junior staff members.

According to several current and former employees, a group of supervisors informally referred to by staff as the "Big Five" wields enormous influence within the department. Employees claim that this group enjoys the full confidence and support of senior management, making it extremely difficult for junior staff to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

Many workers allege that certain supervisors have created an environment where employees are constantly fearful of losing their jobs, being denied contract renewals, or having their reputations damaged within the organization.

One supervisor who is frequently mentioned by former employees is Ann Ouya, based at the Ngong branch. Several workers allege that she exercises excessive influence over staffing decisions and workplace relationships.

According to the complainant, Ann allegedly frustrated them throughout their employment and ultimately played a role in ensuring that their contract was not renewed.

"I am not the only victim," the former employee claims. "There are many people who have lost their jobs or had their contracts terminated after falling out with her. Once she decides she does not like you, she allegedly begins a campaign that can eventually cost you your job."

The complainant further alleges that negative reports about employees are routinely passed to senior management without independent verification, resulting in decisions being made based solely on one side of the story.

Former staff members claim that some supervisors openly boast about being untouchable and protected from disciplinary action regardless of the complaints raised against them.

Another supervisor identified by employees is Salome from the Woodley branch. Workers claim that similar concerns have been raised about management practices within her area of supervision.

According to multiple accounts, junior employees often feel powerless because complaints raised internally rarely result in meaningful action.

The allegations do not stop at individual supervisors.

Several former staff members have also raised concerns about the leadership of the catering department itself. They claim that once a supervisor forms a negative opinion about an employee and communicates that view to senior management, that employee can quickly become isolated regardless of their performance record.

The complainant alleges that decisions affecting careers, contract renewals, and workplace treatment are sometimes made without sufficient investigations being conducted.

"Once management is told something negative about you, they start treating you differently even before establishing whether the allegations are true," the former employee claims.

One of the most concerning allegations involves claims that a private WhatsApp group exists where certain supervisors allegedly discuss employees they dislike.

According to former staff members, employees perceived as troublesome or unpopular allegedly become subjects of ridicule and criticism within these conversations.

While these claims would require independent verification, workers say the existence of such practices has contributed to low morale and growing mistrust within the department.

What many former employees find particularly troubling is the contrast between these allegations and the values that a faith-based institution is expected to uphold.

Employees say they expect compassion, fairness, accountability, and dignity in the workplace. Instead, some claim they have encountered fear, favouritism, workplace politics, and emotional distress.

Several former workers have urged CITAM leadership to conduct an independent review of the catering department and engage directly with junior staff members without the presence of supervisors or managers.

They argue that many employees remain silent because they fear victimization, transfer, denial of contract renewals, or damage to their professional reputation.

The complainant says the purpose of raising these concerns is not revenge but to prevent others from experiencing similar treatment.

"People are suffering in silence," they say. "Management should investigate these allegations independently and speak to staff confidentially. The welfare and mental health of employees should matter."

As these concerns continue to emerge, employees are calling upon CITAM leadership to thoroughly investigate the allegations, review workplace practices within the catering department, and ensure that all staff members are treated fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the values the institution publicly promotes.

Concerned Former Employee.