Outrage Over Death of Nigerian TikTok Moderator Sparks Protests in Kenya
The death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok content moderator, has ignited public outrage and protests in Kenya. Employed by Teleperformance, she was reportedly denied leave and a work permit, raising serious concerns over the treatment of foreign workers. This incident has spotlighted the mental health challenges faced by content moderators and calls for better workplace protections in the tech industry.
A significant outcry has emerged following the discovery of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian content moderator, deceased in her Nairobi apartment on March 7, after failing to report to work for three consecutive days. This incident has stirred controversy regarding the treatment of foreign workers in Kenya, particularly within the tech industry.
Olubumni relocated to Kenya in 2022 to work as a content moderator for TikTok, contracted through Teleperformance, a prominent outsourcing firm. Despite her entitlement to an annual return ticket, reports indicate that she was denied necessary leave due to concerns regarding her work permit and a troubling work culture.
Many content moderators at Teleperformance do not possess work permits, and as a result, lack the freedom to return home for fear of not being allowed to re-enter Kenya or facing harassment upon their return. Teleperformance has denied these allegations, asserting that they are in communication with Olubumni’s family and local authorities to investigate the circumstances of her death.
A colleague shared that Olubumni repeatedly sought permission to visit her home, yet was denied leave and ultimately left without a proper work permit. Her colleague expressed dissatisfaction with Teleperformance’s treatment, stating, “The deceased is a Nigerian national working as a TikTok content moderator since 2022… we are blaming Teleperformance because they denied her leave days and a work permit.”
This unfortunate incident has spotlighted the ongoing challenges faced by tech workers in Kenya, as many protests have emerged, with colleagues staging a strike against Teleperformance’s lack of consideration for employee welfare. Colleagues became concerned after Olubumni failed to show up for work and subsequently discovered her body after a visit to her apartment.
Mophat Okinyi, a noted content moderator and advocate for improved protections, confirmed the incident, emphasizing his own struggles with mental health as a result of content moderation work. Okinyi is participating in a vigil for Olubumni and previously collaborated with other moderators to petition for better working conditions. The tragic outcome of this case emphasizes the precarious nature of employment within Kenya’s burgeoning tech sector and raises questions regarding support for its workers.
The serious implications of Olubumni’s death echo those of Keith Makori, a fintech startup co-founder who passed away in a similar context last year, highlighting the psychological pressures pervasive in this industry.
In summary, the tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni has ignited widespread outrage and protests focused on the treatment of content moderators in Kenya’s tech landscape. The accusations against Teleperformance regarding employee exploitation highlight pressing concerns over the welfare and rights of foreign workers. The situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure better working conditions and mental health support within the tech industry in Kenya and beyond.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
