A disturbing incident at a Kenyan cheese factory led to the arrest of three individuals. Employees at Brown’s Food Company claim they were compelled to undress to determine who among them was menstruating. The incident unfolded when a manager, whose identity has not been disclosed, gathered female workers to identify the person responsible for improperly disposing of a used sanitary pad, media reports said.
Failing to extract a confession, the manager resorted to extreme measures, forcing the women to strip.
Brown’s Food Company has taken immediate action in response to the allegations. The accused manager has been suspended pending an investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, police in Limuru have confirmed that three individuals are now facing charges of indecent assault in connection with the incident.
Distress call
Senator Gloria Orwoba, a vocal advocate against period shaming, received a distress call about the incident, which she shared in a video posted on Facebook.
According to Senator Orwoba, the manager discovered a used sanitary towel in a bin designated for other waste, prompting her to gather the female employees in an attempt to identify the offender.
When her initial inquiries proved unsuccessful, Senater said the manager “needed to find out who was on their period so that she could punish the person that threw the sanitary towel in that bin.”
Senator Orwoba said that she made efforts to intervene in the matter but the company’s could not resolve the issue internally.
Company response
Brown’s Food Company issued a statement on its website expressing sadness over the incident and asserting that it does not reflect the company’s established procedures.
In an effort to prevent similar occurrences, the company plans to engage a women’s health expert to sensitise the staff, improve communication, and reinforce existing policies and procedures.
Additionally, an independent investigation will be conducted to ensure a thorough examination of the incident.
“We are further engaging a women’s health expert to help sensitise staff, improve communication, and strengthen our existing policies and procedures,” the statement read.
Ongoing stigma in Kenya around menstruation
Local police revealed that similar incidents of demeaning and shaming behavior have been reported in other companies in the area. Police chief Philip Mwania condemned the actions, stating that such practices have been ongoing for a significant period.
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He warned employers engaged in such behavior that justice would soon be served to all the victims involved.
Campaigners said that period shaming remains a major problem in Kenya.
