Investigation Initiated Following Death of Nigerian TikTok…

Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok moderator in Nairobi, was found dead after missing work for three days. Allegations arose regarding a toxic work culture and denial of leave by her employer. The Kenya Union of Gig Workers condemned the situation and demanded investigations into her death and labor practices. This incident parallels previous scandals involving content moderators in Kenya, stressing the urgent need for labor rights reforms.

Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok moderator residing in Nairobi, was discovered deceased in her apartment on March 7. She had been missing work for three days, igniting outrage among gig workers in Kenya. According to journalist Larry Madowo, Olubumni relocated to Kenya in 2022 for her position and had not returned home since her migration.

Employed by a prominent outsourcing firm, she was expected to receive an annual return ticket to Nigeria. However, her colleagues reported denials of leave driven by concerns over work permits and experiences of a detrimental work culture. Many moderators in her situation reportedly lacked work permits, preventing their return home due to fears of harassment at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The outsourcing company refuted claims regarding the working conditions, asserting they maintained communication with both the family of Olubumni and local authorities. They also denied allegations of coercing employees against speaking about the case, though Madowo noted a lack of cooperation from her colleagues regarding the investigation.

In response to this distressing incident, the Kenya Union of Gig Workers (KUGWO) expressed their outrage on March 10, urging government intervention. They highlighted the reported failure to provide leave and the denial of contractual rights. KUGWO demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations clarify the circumstances surrounding Olubumni’s death and called for the Ministry of Labour to investigate potential labour law infringements.

The union also advocated for workers’ rights to join trade unions, asserting that collective representation is essential under Article 41 of the Kenyan Constitution. As of the time of this report, the detailed factors leading to Ladi Anzaki Olubumni’s death remain unclear. This incident has drawn parallels with previous controversies involving Facebook content moderators in Kenya, who have similarly reported struggles with toxic work environments and inadequate compensation.

The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni has prompted a significant outcry from the Kenya Union of Gig Workers and raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of gig workers in Kenya. The allegations of toxic workplace culture and the denial of necessary contractual rights underscore the critical need for comprehensive investigations into labor practices by outsourcing firms. This incident highlights ongoing issues within the gig economy, necessitating reform and protection for vulnerable workers.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke