BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has opposed the recent election of John Chebochok as a director of the Toror Tea Factory, managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
The election has sparked significant public outcry and raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the safeguarding of women’s rights within the tea industry, said Odhiambo.
Chebochok was prominently featured in a BBC documentary aired in February 2023, titled “Sex for Work: The True Cost of Our Tea,” which exposed egregious sexual exploitation practices within the tea industry. The documentary included undercover footage and survivor testimonies, leading to Chebochok’s termination from James Finlays Limited and his subsequent barring from their properties.
“Despite these serious allegations and his dismissal, Mr. Chebochok was allowed to contest for and was elected to the position of director of the Toror Tea Factory on 29th June, 2024. The KTDA, in its statement dated 3 rd July, 2024, clarified that it played no role in the election process, which was conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC),” she said.
She added: “KTDA emphasized its commitment to high standards of corporate governance and condemned any form of gender-based violence and unethical behavior.”
The LSK questioned the vetting process conducted by the IEBC, which allowed Mr. Chebochok to be cleared for candidacy despite the serious allegations against him.
She added that it is imperative that candidates for leadership positions, especially in industries with a history of gender-based violence, undergo thorough background checks to ensure they are of unblemished character.
“We are taken aback by the incurably deficient justification provided by the IEBC CEO, claiming that the presentation of all relevant documents, including a police clearance certificate, was sufficient to validate Mr. Chebochok’s candidacy. We remind the IEBC of their mandate under Article 88(5) of the Constitution to perform their duties, including the clearance of candidates contesting in elections, in accordance with the Constitution,” she added.
Further she added that the election of Mr. Chebochok undermines efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence within the tea sector and sends a troubling message that individuals with allegations of sexual misconduct can still attain positions of power, thereby potentially perpetuating a culture of impunity and fear among women workers.
“Allowing Mr. Chebochok to assume a leadership role not only jeopardizes the welfare of female workers but also tarnishes the reputation of the Kenyan tea industry on the global stage,” she noted.
The Law Society of Kenya hereby Demands that Chebochok resigns from the position as director of Toror Tea Factory with immediate effect.
The LSK also demanded that IEBC reviews its vetting procedures to conform with the express provisions of Chapter 6 of the Constitution to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from contesting for leadership positions in the future.
LSK also wants KTDA implements robust policies and mechanisms to ensure the safety and protection of all workers from sexual harassment and exploitation.
Further, the LSK demanded that KTDA and other stakeholders must be transparent about the steps being taken to address these concerns and must hold accountable those who fail to uphold ethical standards.
