Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok moderator in Nairobi, was found dead on March 7 after missing work for three days, prompting outrage among gig workers. Concerns have been raised regarding her denied leave requests and allegations of a toxic work culture. The Kenya Union of Gig Workers has demanded investigations into labor law violations and better representation for employees.
A Nigerian national, Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, who worked in Nairobi as a TikTok content moderator, was discovered deceased in her apartment on March 7, following a three-day absence from work. This incident has incited significant outrage among gig workers in Kenya. Olubumni had relocated to Kenya in 2022, but unfortunately had not visited her family since her move.
Olubumni was employed through a prominent outsourcing firm that recruits individuals from across Africa to work in Nairobi. Despite being entitled to an annual return ticket to her home country, colleagues revealed she had been denied leave, allegedly due to concerns surrounding her work permit and an unfriendly work environment. It has been reported that many moderators were not provided with work permits, which hindered their ability to return home without facing harassment at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
While the outsourcing company has refuted these claims, asserting they have maintained communication with Olubumni’s family and local authorities concerning her death, skepticism remains among workers. Journalist Larry Madowo indicated challenges in finding colleagues willing to speak on the subject, reflecting an atmosphere of fear and apprehension.
In light of these distressing events, the Kenya Union of Gig Workers (KUGWO) issued a statement on March 10, expressing their outrage and sadness regarding Olubumni’s death. The statement detailed how Olubumni had persistently requested leave and a return trip according to her contract, which had been unjustly denied. It also raised concerns about unremitted tax deductions, work permit complications, and inadequate employee benefits.
KUGWO is calling on the Ministry of Labour to investigate potential violations of labor laws and workplace mistreatment, emphasizing the need for workers to be allowed to join trade unions to advocate for their rights under Kenyan law. At present, the circumstances surrounding Olubumni’s death remain unclear, and further investigation is warranted. This situation mirrors previous controversies regarding content moderators in Kenya, who have similarly accused their outsourcing firm of sustaining a toxic work culture and low compensation, which contributed to the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among many of them.
The unfortunate death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni has highlighted significant issues within the gig economy in Kenya, particularly concerning the treatment of foreign workers. The allegations surrounding her untimely demise and the consequent demands by the Kenya Union of Gig Workers underscore the pressing need for thorough investigations into labor practices and the protection of employee rights. As the situation develops, it may serve as a catalyst for necessary reforms in workplace policies and a reevaluation of workers’ treatment in similar roles.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
