Kenya's Consumer Watchdog Demands Compensation of Customer Assaulted in Quickmart Incident
- Quickmart Supermarket acknowledged the incident at its Buruburu branch, where a customer was allegedly beaten by staff
- The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) condemned the incident, calling for stern action to be taken by the retailer
- COFEK Secretary General Stephen Mutoro demanded compensation of the affected customer from the supermarket
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Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.
The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has condemned the incident at Quickmart Supermarket, calling for stern action to be taken by the retailer.
Source: UGC
COFEK demanded compensation for the young lady and her brother, who were allegedly beaten up by the Quickmart Buruburu branch manager and staff.
What are COFEK's demands on Quickmart?
The federation's secretary general, Stephen Mutoro, said an apology is not enough at the supermarket "must pay".
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Mutoro cited article 46 of the constitution, which advocates for the compensation of assault or any damages.
"When an apology won’t cut it: QuickMart Buruburu must pay. Article 46 of the Constitution protects consumers — those assaulted and humiliated deserve compensation for assault, embarrassment & tort damages," said Mutoro.
Mutoro criticised the steps taken by the retail store in the matter, noting that “stepping aside” by the branch manager, was a joke.
What action did Quickmart take?
The chain store acknowledged the incident at its Buruburu branch, saying it was treating it with utmost seriousness.
Source: Twitter
The company suspended the manager and other staff involved in the case, saying investigations into the incident are underway.
The supermarket also said it has reached out to the affected customer for an apology and support.
"Quickmart wishes to acknowledge the recent incident circulating on social media concerning a customer at our Buruburu branch. We want to assure our valued customers and the public that we are fully aware of the matter and are taking it very seriously.
"Our foremost priority is the well-being and dignity of every customer who walks through our doors. We deeply regret the distress this incident has caused,” the company said in a statement.
The young Nairobi lady accused the branch manager and staff of taking her and her brother to a loading bay and beating them up.
The lady said they were accused of stealing 57 litres of milk from the ATM dispenser.
What Kenyans said about the Quickmart incident
The statement from Quickmart acknowledging the incident sparked debate among Kenyans, especially the supermarket customers.
The majority of Kenyans reacted to the matter with mixed reactions, some calling for the firing and prosecution of the manager who assaulted the young lady and her brother.
They called for the compensation of the customer, urging the supermarket to take stern action rather than suspend the staff.
Others said the supermarket branch has been recording similar cases that go unnoticed and needs to be stopped.
Quickmart customers in other branches said the store in question will taint the image of the company.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
