From details collected from here and there; it is now emerging that the management of Nakumatt Downtown may be culpable of serious dereliction of duty and criminal negligence which led to the unfortunate death of innocent shoppers.
That security guards may have been instructed to "close the exit doors" to restrain shoppers from leaving the mart with unpaid for goods and merchandise. This most callous behaviour is reminiscent of the arrogance of merciless, faceless corporate bodies that have little regard for human life and operate on the principle that "cash is king".
Consumer protection and physical safety of customers, patrons and clientele are the cornerstones of retail chain operators. The defensive measly whispers we are hearing from the top management of the supermarket chain regarding the safety precautions in their establishment are untenable.
Consumerism is not sustainable in a market that operates without regard for basic rules relating to human safety. We must do something to save ourselves against these kinds of businesses. For a start we need to raise the awareness of our people. As managers we should not rush to blame the government; read the Factories Act, the Fire Act, the Public Health Act, the Building Code and Retail Business Premises By-Laws of the City Council in detail. And then start an active boycott of all chain retail markets that do not comply with these laws and regulations fully. Tell your workmate, neighbour, child, friend, relative etc create a chain of informed people; refuse to buy goods without a bar code and quality and standardisation mark of the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
For a start, I am boycotting the NAKUMATT chain until the management of the retail group allow all their premises to be inspected and/or get issued with PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY CERTIFICATE by the City Council. Do something too!
YES, TOGETHER WE CAN reclaim our nation from these merchants of death and their political benefactors, THE TIME IS NOW!
