Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator in Kenya, died under unclear circumstances after being unable to travel home for two years. Colleagues mourned her loss, citing poor working conditions and mental health concerns. Teleperformance denied allegations of her being denied leave, while her family struggles with burial costs.
Technology workers in Kenya recently gathered to honor their colleague, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a content moderator for TikTok who passed away under troubling circumstances. Her body was discovered decomposing in her home after she had been unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Colleagues expressed that she had been exhausted and longing to return home, raising concerns about her wellbeing.
While the exact cause of Olubunmi’s death remains unclear, Teleperformance Kenya did not provide comments regarding the matter despite inquiries from the Associated Press. The company denied allegations that she had been denied leave, calling these claims “baseless and untrue.”
Content moderators working for subcontractors in Kenya have previously reported distressing working conditions, including inadequate pay, limited mental health resources, overly lengthy working hours, and intimidation. This trend has led to significant legal actions, with over 100 former Facebook content moderators suing for similar grievances regarding work conditions and treatment by subcontracted firms.
During the vigil, fellow moderators highlighted that numerous Nigerian workers at Teleperformance have been without work permits for two years, restricting their ability to travel home despite having annual return ticket benefits. They lamented that these circumstances could have played a role in Olubunmi’s untimely death.
Olubunmi’s family was only informed of her passing a day after her neighbor discovered her body. Teleperformance reached out to her brother via email, providing him with contact details for local authorities for further arrangements concerning her death, autopsy, and burial. Due to financial constraints, the family is contemplating seeking assistance from her church in Nairobi for burial arrangements.
In summary, the tragic passing of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi has brought to light the perilous working conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya. Concerns over long hours, inadequate support, and immigration issues have been compounded by Olubunmi’s inability to return home, which her colleagues believe contributed to her declining health. This incident highlights the pressing need for better oversight and support for workers in the tech industry.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
