Kenyan technology workers honored Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator who died under unclear circumstances after being unable to travel home to Nigeria for two years. While her death remains unexplained, concerns were raised about working conditions and mental health support for content moderators. Teleperformance Kenya denied claims of her being denied leave, while her family now struggles with burial arrangements. Workers demand improved conditions in the industry.
Technology workers in Kenya gathered to honor their colleague, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, who recently passed away under mysterious circumstances after being unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Employed as a content moderator for TikTok through subcontractor Teleperformance Kenya, her remains were found in her home days after her death. Colleagues reported that she had expressed feelings of exhaustion and a strong desire to return home.
While the cause of Olubunmi’s death remains undetermined, Teleperformance Kenya refuted claims that she was denied leave, labeling them as “baseless and untrue.” The conditions faced by content moderators in subcontracted firms in Kenya have been widely criticized, revealing issues such as inadequate pay, lack of mental health support, long working hours, and intimidation.
The vigil included numerous content moderators from various global tech companies, who linked the poor working conditions to the tragedy of their fellow worker. Kauna Malgwi, a close friend, mentioned that over 100 Nigerian employees of Teleperformance have been unable to travel home due to their expiring work permits, despite having a return ticket benefit.
Following the discovery of Olubunmi’s body, her family was notified through an email from Teleperformance. The family struggles with financial constraints and are contemplating a burial handled by her church in Nairobi, as they cannot afford to repatriate her remains. Overall, the incident highlights systemic issues within the tech industry regarding the treatment of workers in subcontracted roles.
The death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi underscores the dire working conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya. It brings attention to issues such as inadequate compensation, lack of mental health resources, and the circumstances preventing workers from returning home. The response from Teleperformance reveals a necessity for accountability and reform within subcontracted workplaces. Moreover, the emotional aftermath has significant implications for the welfare and rights of technology workers, particularly those employed under precarious conditions.
Original Source: www.2news.com
