Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, died in unclear circumstances in Kenya. Colleagues mourned her during a vigil, citing poor working conditions and lack of travel permits. Teleperformance Kenya denied reports of her being denied leave. The incident raises significant concerns about the treatment of content moderators in the tech industry, particularly regarding labor rights and mental health support.
On Tuesday, technology workers in Nairobi, Kenya, gathered to mourn their colleague, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator who passed away under mysterious circumstances. Olubunmi, who had not been able to return to her home in Nigeria for two years, was found deceased in her residence three days after her passing, sparking concerns among her coworkers about the factors leading to her death.
Lack of clarity surrounding the cause of her death remains, but colleagues reported that Olubunmi had expressed feelings of fatigue and a strong desire to return home. Teleperformance Kenya, her employer, has not responded to inquiries regarding her situation, although they labeled claims of her being denied leave as “baseless and untrue.”
Content moderators working for subcontracted firms like Teleperformance Kenya have voiced their grievances about poor working conditions. These concerns include insufficient pay, inadequate mental health support, excessive work hours, and workplace intimidation. Over 100 former Facebook moderators, employed through another subcontractor, have initiated legal action citing similar grievances regarding unfair labor practices.
During the vigil, many colleagues expressed concerns that Olubunmi’s difficult working conditions may have contributed to her untimely demise. Kauna Malgwi, a friend of Olubunmi, noted that over 100 Nigerian workers under Teleperformance have not received work permits for the past two years, inhibiting their ability to return home despite having travel benefits.
Following the discovery of her body, Olubunmi’s family was promptly notified of her death. Teleperformance made contact with her brother, providing information about investigating officers in Kenya for further arrangements related to the autopsy and burial. Malgwi indicated that Olubunmi’s family lacks the financial means to repatriate her body and may seek assistance from her church in Nairobi for burial.
The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi highlights ongoing concerns regarding the working conditions of content moderators in Kenya. The lack of clear communication and support from employers, alongside the plight of workers facing restrictions on travel, raises critical questions about labor rights in the tech industry. As discussions surrounding mental health and fair labor practices gain traction, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for reform and improved working environments for all employees.
Original Source: www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
