Published on February 13, 2025 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 1 year by Kariuki Mwangi
Growing concerns have arisen among a section of staff at Equity Bank Kenya following revelations of staff mistreatment by one senior credit officer who is grossly accused with allegations of unprofessional behaviour surfacing across multiple instances.
Reports from employees suggest that workplace tensions have been escalating, with claims of hostility, intimidation, and, in some cases, altercations that threaten to turn into physical confrontations.
In a disturbing instance that was recently captured on a video which has gone viral on social media, a senior credit officer stationed at Equity Bank’s Kariobangi branch James Gakundi was seen shoving out a staffer out of a meeting at which the employee had arrived five minutes late and was frantically trying to offer an explanation and apology.
Despite complaints, purportedly being raised through internal channels, some sources indicate that no substantive action has been taken, leading to speculation about whether internal oversight mechanisms are being effectively applied.
According to accounts from individuals familiar with the situation, the officer in question has allegedly developed a reputation for dismissing grievances brought against him, reportedly claiming that complaints will not lead to any consequences.
One member of staff at the branch, who sought anonymity lamented that Gakundi had been exhibiting unprofessional conduct when dealing with staff and has even gone to the extent of nearly engaging fellow staff members in fistfights.
“This unfortunately is his (Gakundi) mode of operation. Even from the previous branches which he has worked at in the past. The guy seems to have a godfather because all the incidents are reported, and no action has ever been taken against him, and he even boasts about it, saying even if you report him to anybody within the ranks, there is nothing that will be done,” lamented the employee.
In the particular video, he is seen pushing one credit staff out of the meeting for being five minutes late without listening to the reasons behind the lateness. It emerged that the subject staff lives along Thika Road, and this specific day, the Gen Zs had planned for riot causing disruptions in matatu operations along the route.
This incident was reported to the relevant departments but the case was never resolved. Gakundi is reported to have turned sarcastic and bullish to the staff, oozing with pride that no matter where he is reported, no action would be taken against him.
The members of staff lament that the bank is a corporate institution, which needs to be operated with professional conduct but has been turned into an abyss of petty managerial mishaps where staff and even customers are mistreated at their face.
In one particular instance recorded on 25th January 2025, the same officer reportedly harassed a customer who had visited his office for an inquiry together with the security lady who had accompanied the client to show her the office. When the customer service supervisors interjected, he blew out with noise and unruly conduct, prompting the clients who were in the office to interject.
Some employees believe that his confidence in avoiding disciplinary measures stems from support within the bank’s hierarchy, though no official confirmation of such protections exists.
Following the incident, affected employees are believed to have escalated their grievances to the relevant departments, but there are claims that the matter was not meaningfully addressed.
Some staff now suggest that this lack of intervention has emboldened the officer, with reports emerging that his interactions with both colleagues and customers have become increasingly strained.
