Vendors at the Chandarana Foodplus New Muthaiga Mall branch in Thigiri, Nairobi have accused a senior manager of harassment, racial discrimination, and intimidation.
According to vendors who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, the manager identified as Mihir Pandaya Harishkumar has created a hostile work environment, frequently issuing threats and making it difficult for black staff and merchandisers to operate freely within the store.
They allege that he persistently summons staff for disciplinary actions over minor infractions and forces them to write warning letters.
Employees claim that his behaviour has instilled fear among workers, who feel powerless due to the strict policies of their respective employers.
Many fear that any altercation with the management, including complaints against him, could result in their dismissal.
One of the most alarming allegations is that the manager allegedly carries a pistol to work, which he reportedly uses to intimidate vendors and staff.
Some vendors claim that he has explicitly threatened to have them removed from the supermarket, asserting that he has the authority to do so.
The vendors also state that the same individual was previously stationed at another branch, where workers reportedly staged a demonstration against him before he was transferred to Thigiri.
Chandarana Foodplus Supermarket has previously faced multiple allegations of mistreatment, racial bias, and unfair labour practices across its branches.
Over the years, employees and vendors have raised grievances concerning discrimination, intimidation, and unjustified dismissals.
Reports that we previously highlighted have detailed cases of African employees being subjected to harsher disciplinary actions compared to their Asian counterparts, salary disparities favouring Asian managers, and unresolved allegations of sexual harassment.
Concerns have also been raised about the conduct of senior managers and the influence of certain individuals within the company’s leadership structure.
At the Riverside Drive branch, employees previously reported that a senior worker was dismissed for alleged violations of company policy, despite claims that Asian employees had committed similar infractions without consequence.
Workers Speak Out on Racial Bias and Salary Discrepancies at Chandarana Foodplus
Employees at upscale retail outlet Chandarana Foodplus have raised concerns about alleged racial discrimination within the company.
According to a source, employees of Asian descent are reportedly… pic.twitter.com/QyNNTLO0Q7
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) February 4, 2025
In another case at the My Town branch in Karen, a manager accused of sexual harassment remained in his position with no action taken.
Hello Bwana Nyakundi please hide my ID. I work at Chandarana Foodplus Yaya Center and these Indians, especially the owner of the Yaya branch, Mr. Anil and his wife called Meeta, are very tribal. Meeta can come to the shop and chase you away, claiming it’s her shop. Packers live… pic.twitter.com/pinmJJMjt1
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) April 16, 2024
Staff working under the Kenchic Butcheries brand, which operates within Chandarana stores, have also spoken previously out about a toxic work environment fuelled by verbal abuse, unfair terminations, and manipulation by certain managers.
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Reports have emerged alleging poor management practices at Kenchic Butcheries which currently operates within Chandarana Food Plus stores, with a source, who requests anonymity, claiming that a manager who… pic.twitter.com/ZzFnSOHqF3
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) December 4, 2024
Workers have also raised issues regarding a company-affiliated Sacco, with claims of financial mismanagement and leadership interference preventing members from accessing their rightful benefits.
The nature of these allegations necessitates immediate intervention from relevant oversight and enforcement agencies.
Claims of racial discrimination, intimidation, and the alleged presence of a firearm in the workplace fall within the mandates of multiple regulatory bodies.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) must initiate investigations into the reported racial bias and discriminatory practices.
Simultaneously, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) ought to assess the workplace environment, particularly the alleged coercion and misuse of disciplinary procedures.
The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is obligated to determine the legality of a firearm reportedly being carried within the supermarket premises, given its potential implications for employee and customer safety.
With affected vendors expressing fears of retaliation, it is imperative that authorities act decisively to establish accountability and enforce compliance with legal and ethical labour standards.
“Hello Nyakundi. I have an aggressive matter I want to raise. Will you help me?We are a group of vendors in Chandarana Thigiri, but there is a manager named Mihir Pandaya Harishkumar who is frustrating us so much. Even merchandisers who come to merchandise their products—this guy is very resistant. He has prejudice because they are black. Even their own staff are tired of this manager; he was once in Chandarana Raptah, and staff demonstrated against him. Now he has been sent to Thigiri. The guy is very petty; every time he brings cases, summoning staff and making them write warning letters. We are tired of this guy. He is even threatening us; he carries a pistol. We, as vendors, are mostly threatened: “I will remove you from this shop” because he has the power to do that. Our companies are very strict; if you have any issues with the manager or the management, they send you home. Please help us stop this guy, and kindly don’t mention me.”
