New Findings on the Fatality of Nigerian TikTok Moderator in Kenya

Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok moderator, was found dead in Nairobi after missing work for three days, prompting outrage from gig workers. Allegations suggest a toxic work environment where employees faced unjust leave denials and labor rights violations. The Kenya Union of Gig Workers has called for investigations into her death and labor law adherence.

Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok moderator residing in Nairobi, was found dead in her apartment on March 7, after being absent from work for three days. Her tragic passing ignited significant outrage among gig workers in Kenya. Olubumni had relocated to Kenya in 2022 to work as a content moderator, and distressingly, she had not visited her family since her move.

Hired by a leading outsourcing company, Olubumni was entitled to an annual return ticket to Nigeria. However, colleagues indicated that her requests for leave were denied due to work permit concerns and a purportedly toxic work environment. Many content moderators at the company lacked valid work permits, fearing harassment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which contributed to their inability to return home.

The outsourcing company refuted allegations of a toxic workplace and claimed they were in ongoing communication with Olubumni’s family and local authorities regarding her death. They also denied pressuring employees to avoid discussing the situation, although journalist Larry Madowo noted difficulty in finding colleagues willing to comment.

In reaction to Olubumni’s death, the Kenya Union of Gig Workers (KUGWO) publicly expressed their outrage and sadness. They called for intervention from government agencies, emphasizing the need for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate her death and the Ministry of Labour to scrutinize the company’s compliance with labor laws.

KUGWO highlighted Olubumni’s repeated requests for leave, denied unjustly along with concerns over unremitted tax deductions and inadequate worker benefits. They urged the outsourcing company to permit employees to form trade unions to advocate for their rights as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution.

As of the publication date, the circumstances surrounding Olubumni’s death remain unclear. This incident follows a similar controversy involving Facebook content moderators who have claimed their employing outsourcing company fostered a toxic work environment, resulting in many being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the content they were exposed to.

Ladi Anzaki Olubumni’s death has raised serious concerns about the working conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya, sparking outrage among gig workers. Allegations of a toxic work culture and violations of labor rights remain significant issues that need thorough investigation. The response from the Kenya Union of Gig Workers underscores the urgent need for protections for workers, highlighting the importance of supporting their rights amid ongoing challenges within the gig economy.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke