Washington, DC – Despite receiving accolades from Kenya’s President William Ruto during his recent visit to the United States, Kenyan restaurant owner Kevin Onyona finds himself entangled in a significant labor court case that threatens to tarnish his reputation and the image of his restaurant, Swahili Village.
The Recent President’s Visit
During President Ruto’s visit to the US, he made a stop at Swahili Village in New Jersey and commended Onyona for his entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to the Kenyan diaspora. President Ruto’s words of praise for Onyona on social media highlighted the significance of Kenyan success stories abroad.
“Witnessing the success of thriving Kenyans abroad propels our resolve to intensify our foreign relations efforts aimed at broadening opportunities for many more,” wrote President Ruto on social media.
The Shadow of Allegations
Despite the outward success of Swahili Village and the presidential commendation, a shadow of allegations hangs over the establishment. According to a lawsuit filed by the DC Attorney General’s Office in August, Swahili Village stands accused of wage theft and exploitation of its employees, many of whom are African immigrants.
The lawsuit alleges that Swahili Village paid its servers, food runners, bussers, and bartenders as little as Ksh.735 ($5) an hour, including tips. This wage falls significantly below the minimum wage guidelines set by the Washington State, which is Ksh.2314 ($15) per hour. Moreover, the restaurant is accused of failing to pay legally required overtime and sick leave to its employees.
Violations and Consequences
Kevin Onyona, along with his Chief Operating Officer, Emad Shoeb, faces allegations of violating the city’s tipped minimum wage law and other worker protections. The lawsuit further claims that the owners pocketed a substantial portion of the tips meant for employees, selectively compensating some while underpaying others.
“Our investigation indicates that Swahili Village DC and its executives, Kevin Onyona and Emad Shoeb, persistently and systematically failed to pay hundreds of hard-working restaurant workers the wages, tips, and benefits they were legally entitled to receive,” stated DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
Swahili Village’s Growth
Swahili Village is not limited to a single location. It boasts over five branches across the United States, with its flagship restaurant in Northwest, District of Columbia, opening its doors in 2020—the very establishment President Ruto visited during his US trip. Other branches are situated in Beltsville, Maryland, Newark in New Jersey, Tyson’s Corner in Virginia, and Manhattan in New York.
What Next..
As the labor court case unfolds, the allegations against Swahili Village raise important questions about labor practices in the restaurant industry, particularly in establishments that cater to an international clientele. The outcome of this case will not only impact the reputation of Swahili Village but also serve as a potential precedent for labor rights in the US hospitality sector.
Swahili Village, known for its Kenyan staples, including goat stew, nyama choma, kuku choma, bhajia, tilapia in coconut sauce (samaki wa nazi), and Tusker beer, now faces a different kind of spotlight—one focused on labor rights and fair treatment of its employees.