Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator at Teleperformance Kenya, died under unclear circumstances, prompting a vigil held by her colleagues concerned about poor working conditions. Despite Teleperformance’s claims denying negligence, workers have protested against inadequate support and compensation across the industry. Her family struggles to afford her burial, contemplating a community church for assistance.
On Tuesday, a vigil was held in Nairobi by technology workers in memory of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator employed by Teleperformance Kenya, whose death occurred under unclear circumstances after being unable to return home for two years. Her body was discovered decomposing in her residence three days posthumously, raising concerns among her colleagues, who reported her complaints of fatigue and a desperate longing to return to Nigeria.
Teleperformance Kenya has not commented on the situation directly, dismissing claims that Olubunmi was denied leave as baseless and untrue. This tragedy highlights past complaints from content moderators regarding poor working conditions characterized by below-average compensation, insufficient mental health support, extended working hours, and workplace intimidation, raising questions about the overall well-being of employees in the sector.
Furthermore, more than 100 former Facebook content moderators have initiated a lawsuit against the platform, citing inadequate pay and deplorable working conditions stemming from their employment with Samasource, a subcontracted firm located in Kenya. The vigil attendees expressed their belief that their colleague’s unfortunate demise might be linked to these ongoing challenges within the industry.
A friend of Olubunmi, Kauna Malgwi, revealed that over 100 Nigerian employees at Teleperformance lacked work permits for two years, preventing them from utilizing their annual ticket home. Following the discovery of Olubunmi’s body, her family was informed of her passing. Teleperformance communicated with her brother via email, providing contact information for local authorities involved in the investigation and arrangements for the autopsy and burial.
Given the financial strain, Olubunmi’s family is contemplating seeking assistance from her church in Nairobi for burial expenses, as they are unable to afford returning her body to Nigeria.
The recent death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a content moderator in Kenya, raises serious concerns about the working conditions of technology employees in the region. Despite Teleperformance Kenya’s denial of negligence, the incident has spotlighted ongoing issues such as inadequate support and poor working environments, reflecting a larger narrative of distress among subcontracted workers in the tech industry. The aftermath of Olubunmi’s passing underscores the urgent need for reforms within these organizations to ensure employee welfare and safety.
Original Source: www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
