After a month-long hibernation, Tuskys Chief Executive Dan Githua (pictured) has emerged with a spiritual proclamation. “The Lord will not allow Tuskys to die! Amen!” he posted on Twitter. Mr Githua’s absence from the social media platform, where he is usually very active, has been conspicuous as the retailer’s woes accelerate. Tuskys recorded a 35 per cent drop in sales for April and May, court papers show. This is amid a monthly Sh200 million wage bill that it is unable to sustain any longer. Some retail industry watchers say Tuskys has the weakest financial position among Kenya’s large supermarket chains, evident in its struggle to pay suppliers, stock-outs, fallen foot traffic and branch closures. Githua’s biggest headache at the moment is that the retailer is staring at paying unionised workers their withheld salaries should both parties fail to reach a deal in ongoing negotiations. Over a week ago, the Labour court forced Tuskys into negotiations with staff on planned pay cuts. This was after workers under the Kenya Union of Food Commercial and Allied Workers (KUFCAW) protested the manner of the trimming effected in April. Tuskys has also been restrained from effecting any further wage or salary reduction for its unionised employees prior to amicable consultations. KUFCAW Secretary General Bonface Kavuvi told Weekend Business that Tuskys was yet to obey the court order. “Not yet, they promised to pay for April before end of this month, non- committal on May and June. We’ll follow up on them during our Monday meeting,” he said. Famed bakery Githua, who proved difficult to reach for an interview, was in his proclamation replying to a “faithful Tuskys shopper” who had posted a prayer to God that in the event of Tuskys’ “death” He save their white bread. “Lord, if you allow Tuskys to die, please save their white bread,” the shopper tweeted. Tuskys, which has over 60 branches across East Africa, has become famed for its bakery and food delis. Uchumi, a fallen retail giant harking at a comeback, was also famed for its bakery and eatery, especially at the Aga Khan branch. The bakery still remains open in contrast to empty shelves at the expansive store. Githua is a devoted Twitter user where he goes by “Digital Retailer” or “anko wa Tuskys” and sometimes acts as the supermarket chain’s last line of defence from online critics. And on the day of his […]
Only God can save us, says Tuskys CEO
