Fresh allegations of ethnic discrimination have emerged from workers employed by Platinum Outsourcing and Logistics Limited and deployed at PZ Cussons Kenya, with employees claiming that promotions, appointments and workplace decisions are increasingly being influenced by tribal considerations rather than merit.

The allegations, have prompted calls for investigations by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the management of both Platinum Outsourcing and PZ Cussons Kenya.

According to the whistleblower, the concerns centre on the management of workers stationed at the PZ Cussons factory, where the complainant alleges a pattern of appointments favouring people from one ethnic community.

The employee specifically accuses Factory Manager Japheth Kevata of allegedly telling workers that the factory was meant for members of the Kamba community and that he would ensure they remained the dominant group within the company. This allegation has not been independently verified, and Mr. Kevata should be given an opportunity to respond.

The complainant further claims that since Mr. Kevata assumed the position of Factory Manager, several key management positions have allegedly been filled by individuals from the same community.

Among those mentioned by the whistleblower are a Shift Manager identified as George, Safety and Production Manager Kevin, and Platinum Outsourcing supervisors James and Charles.

The complainant argues that the appointments have created the perception among employees that opportunities within the factory are no longer based purely on qualifications or performance.

If true, such allegations would raise serious questions under Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination, and could also attract the attention of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, whose mandate includes investigating complaints of ethnic discrimination.

The whistleblower also alleges that a campaign has been launched against another employee, Daniel Onayo, whom the complainant says is being unfairly targeted.

According to the source, Mr. Kevata is allegedly working with other employees to frustrate Mr. Onayo by encouraging false complaints against him.

The whistleblower disputes allegations that Mr. Onayo has been taking milk intended for workers, claiming instead that other employees identified as James and Charles are responsible. These competing allegations have not been independently verified.

The complaint paints a picture of growing tension within the workplace, with employees saying morale has declined because they believe decisions affecting recruitment, supervision and disciplinary matters are no longer being made fairly.

Workers say they fear speaking openly because they worry about losing their jobs or facing disciplinary action.

The allegations now place responsibility on the leadership of Platinum Outsourcing and Logistics Limited, whose management is responsible for ensuring outsourced employees are treated fairly.

The leadership and operational management team at Platinum-Outsourcing & Logistics (E.A) Ltd is led by Managing Director Charles Wahinya and Operations Director Jennifer Wambui Njau, who oversee the company's strategic vision and core business functions. The executive team is supported by a management lineup including Procurement & Accounts Payable Manager Josphat Kamau, Contract Manager George Wambugu, Technical Manager Okoth Odege, and Credit Controller George Allan Karau. Together, these leaders coordinate the company's procurement, client contracts, technical systems, financial controls, and daily logistics operations across East Africa.

PZ Cussons Kenya, which is expected to provide a workplace free from discrimination and harassment regardless of whether workers are directly employed or engaged through third-party contractors

PZ Cussons East Africa Limited in Kenya is led by Managing Director Sekar Ramamoorthy, who oversees the company’s strategic regional direction, market investments, and production facilities within the country. He manages operations alongside Africa Managing Director Oghale Elueni, who directs the broader African business unit strategies, and Head of Marketing Hafsa Arthur, who leads the positioning and commercial expansion of flagship local personal care brands such as Imperial Leather, Carex, and Venus across East African distribution

The workers are now calling on the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, and both companies to investigate the claims and reassure employees that recruitment, promotion and disciplinary decisions are based on merit rather than ethnicity.

Below is the complaint received by this publication.

Morning sir. I like your work. Kindly hide my identity.

I am one of the employees of Platinum Outsourcing and Logistics working at PZ Cussons.

We are being threatened by the Factory Manager, Japheth Kevata, who says the company is meant for Kamba people and that he will ensure only Kamba people work there.

Since he joined PZ Cussons, we believe most of the factory management positions have gone to people from the same community.

We also believe Daniel Onayo is being unfairly frustrated through false accusations, while the real issues are being ignored.

Please let our employers at Platinum Outsourcing and the management of PZ Cussons know what is happening.