Bata Kenya has issued a response following reports that one of its employees passed away while on duty at the company's factory on Saturday, October 26, amid allegations of being denied leave.
In a statement on Thursday, October 31, Bata clarified that the employee, Joshua Muthoka, was declared dead upon arrival at Tigoni Hospital after he was transferred to the facility.
Bata Kenya Managing Director Benson Okumu disclosed that Muthoka had complained of stomach pains before he was assisted by his supervisor to seek medical attention at the Bata clinic.
He stated that the deceased collapsed minutes later while he was being attended at the clinic before he was transferred to Tigoni Hospital.
"On the day in question, Joshua reported experiencing stomach pains and was promptly assisted by his supervisor to seek medical attention at Bata Clinic.
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"As he was being attended at the clinic during the examination and taking of vitals and not later than four minutes after his arrival, he suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive. He was immediately transferred to Tigoni Hospital where he was sadly declared dead on arrival and transferred to Tigoni Mortuary," Okumu remarked.
The shoe company affirmed that it is committed to transparency and cooperation with the authorities in the investigations into the death of Muthoka.
Bata noted that it operates within the confines of the employment regulations and respects the rights of its employees at the workplace, dismissing reports that Muthoka was denied leave.
"A post mortem was conducted on Tuesday, October 29, in the presence of the family and although the results were non-conclusive, we continue to support the family to establish the actual cause of death.
"Bata Shoe Kenya operates within the confines of the employment regulations and respects the rights of employees at the workplace, including the right to take leave for whatever reason. To insinuate otherwise is unfortunate and can only be interpreted as an act of malice," the Bata MD stated.
The company further affirmed that it undergoes regular safety and health audits and that it takes employees health and safety seriously.
