Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a TikTok moderator, was found dead in Kenya, prompting outrage and investigations into outsourcing labor practices. Her union, KUGWO, seeks inquiries into potential labor violations and demands union representation. The incident follows previous complaints from gig workers about poor conditions and inadequate support in the industry.
The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a Nigerian TikTok moderator in Kenya, has sparked significant outrage among gig workers, highlighting critical concerns regarding outsourcing labor practices. Olubumni, working for a well-known outsourcing firm in Nairobi, was discovered deceased in her apartment after missing work for three days. The Kenya Union of Gig Workers (KUGWO) formally requested a thorough investigation into the circumstances of her death, indicating that her leave and return requests had been denied repeatedly.
Reports suggest that the outsourcing company had promised Olubumni annual return tickets to Nigeria, yet many colleagues reported her lack of a valid work permit. This situation allegedly instilled fear of extortion or harassment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, deterring her from returning home. The outsourcing firm has subsequently denied these claims, asserting they maintained communication with Olubumni’s family and local authorities while rejecting accusations of silencing employees.
KUGWO has appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for a detailed inquiry into Olubumni’s death and urged the Ministry of Labour to review the outsourcing firm’s labor practices. Focus areas include possible labour law violations, unauthorized wage deductions, and general worker mistreatment. Furthermore, the union is advocating for the firm’s compliance with Article 41 of the Kenyan Constitution by allowing employees to join trade unions.
Olubumni’s demise emerges amid previous accusations against the outsourcing company, with Facebook content moderators in Kenya having filed lawsuits citing poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and detrimental work environments. These moderators report exposure to misleading content and have since developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This incident underscores a pressing need for enhanced labor rights and protections for gig workers in the sector.
The death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni has triggered urgent discussions regarding labor rights and conditions for gig workers in Kenya, particularly within the outsourcing industry. The call for an investigative inquiry and scrutiny of labor practices reflects a growing demand for systemic change. This situation not only emphasizes the need for improved standards but also advocates for unionization rights to protect workers under Kenyan law. Overall, this incident highlights the critical importance of addressing labor exploitation in the gig economy.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
