KPOWU Fires Back Over Public Blame and Abuse of Fuel Attendants

The Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU) has condemned the unfair blaming of fuel attendants for fuel-related problems and operational challenges beyond their control.

In a statement dated June 1, KPOWU said fuel attendants have recently been subjected to criticism and abuse over issues they are not responsible for, calling the trend unjust and damaging to workers’ dignity.

“KPOWU strongly condemns the growing tendency to unfairly blame fuel attendants for issues that are often beyond their control,” read part of the statement.

The union argued that fuel attendants are frontline service workers tasked with serving customers and that they do not refine fuel, determine fuel quality, manage supply chains, or make procurement decisions for companies.

 KPOWU Says Fuel Quality Issues Not Caused by Fuel Station Workers

KPOWU further highlighted that holding them responsible for fuel quality concerns misunderstands how the petroleum supply system operates.

According to the union, most fuel-related problems may arise from broader technical and logistical challenges within the supply chain, and they are outside the authority and control of frontline workers stationed at fuel service points.

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These include supplier inconsistencies, equipment failures, storage complications, system breakdowns, and power interruptions.

Therefore, the union cautioned members of the public against intimidating, harassing, or verbally abusing fuel attendants when issues arise at fuel stations.

“KPOWU reminds the public that workers are not convenient scapegoats for systemic failures. The men and women who keep Kenya moving by serving motorists day and night deserve respect, protection, and fair treatment. Intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, or victimization of fuel attendants will not solve operational challenges; it only undermines workplace dignity and labour rights,”

Motorists Accuse Fuel Station Workers of Poor Quality in Fuel

The remarks by KPOWU come after an incident in which a motorist was heard expressing strong anger at a fuel station, accusing attendants of dishonesty and warning other customers against fueling there.

He made a series of unverified claims against the station staff, alleging poor quality of the fuel, and urged other motorists to avoid the facility entirely.

“This person is a thief at Rubis… this is the Rubis in Hurlingham. No one should come here to fuel,”

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Meanwhile, KPOWU stated that targeting workers does not solve operational challenges and instead violates labour rights and workplace dignity.

The union called on employers, regulators, and the public to focus on identifying the real causes of fuel-related problems rather than blaming workers who are simply performing their duties.

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Fuel petrol station in kenya. Photo/ file