Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok content moderator, was found dead in Nairobi after missing work for three days, igniting protests concerning the conditions faced by employees. Colleagues claim that Teleperformance, her employer, denied her leave and work permits, contributing to a toxic environment. The incident has prompted discussions around welfare and rights in Kenya’s tech sector.
A significant outcry has emerged following the discovery of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok content moderator, deceased in her Nairobi apartment. She had been missing for three days prior to her body being found on March 7. Olubumni relocated to Kenya in 2022 to work with TikTok through Teleperformance, an outsourcing company, and had not returned home since her departure, highlighting her isolation in a foreign country.
Despite being entitled to an annual return ticket to her homeland, Olubumni purportedly faced challenges in securing leave due to concerns about her work permit and a reportedly toxic workplace environment. Her colleagues reported that many content moderators at Teleperformance lacked work permits, which raised issues regarding their ability to travel home without facing potential harassment at the airport.
Teleperformance has publicly refuted allegations regarding neglect and has stated that they are cooperating with the family and local authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding her death. Sources have indicated that Olubumni had made multiple requests to her management for a permit and leave, all of which were declined, contributing to her distress.
Olubumni’s tragic death has triggered protests among her colleagues, who are now striking in solidarity, accusing Teleperformance of failing to address their welfare and creating a culture of exploitation. concerns were raised when the company did not perform a welfare check on her upon her absence from work, which culminated in colleagues discovering her lifeless body days later.
The incident has drawn criticism not only concerning content moderation workers’ mental health and safety but also regarding the broader implications for the technology sector in Kenya. Renowned content moderator Mophat Okinyi acknowledged the troubling nature of Olubumni’s situation and highlighted the mental health struggles many face in such roles. He also emphasized the need for accountability and better support within the industry.
The unfolding events echo previous instances of distress within Kenya’s growing tech scene, which has faced scrutiny for its treatment of employees. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by tech workers, raising questions about corporate responsibilities and the need for reform in labor protections.
The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni has catalyzed an outpouring of outrage and protests, leading to renewed scrutiny of the working conditions within Kenya’s tech industry. As allegations of neglect and exploitation surface, there is a pressing demand for improved protections and accountability for content moderators and similar workforce sectors. Olubumni’s ordeal highlights the critical intersection of mental health, labor rights, and corporate responsibility, demanding immediate attention from stakeholders.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
