Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator in Kenya, was found dead after being unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Colleagues expressed concerns regarding her fatigue and the working conditions faced by content moderators. Teleperformance Kenya responded to the allegations regarding denial of leave as baseless, yet the incident has ignited discussions about labor practices in the tech industry.
In Nairobi, Kenya, a vigil was held for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator who passed away under mysterious circumstances after being unable to return home to Nigeria for two years. Her body was discovered decomposing in her residence three days postmortem. Although the cause of death is still unclear, colleagues reported her expressing fatigue and a yearning to return home.
Teleperformance Kenya, which employed Ms. Olubunmi, has not responded to requests for comments regarding her death. A statement from the company, obtained by The Associated Press, dismissed allegations that Olubunmi was denied leave as unfounded. This incident highlights existing concerns among content moderators regarding their working conditions, including inadequate mental health support, long hours, and low wages.
Several previous complaints from content moderators indicate that the situation involves challenges such as low pay and mental health support, with over 100 former Facebook content moderators currently suing for what they claim to be poor working conditions. During the vigil for Olubunmi, attendees voiced concerns that these very conditions could have played a role in her death.
Colleagues highlighted a troubling situation where many Nigerian employees at Teleperformance have been without work permits for two years, preventing travel despite having return tickets. Olubunmi’s family was contacted the day after her body was found, receiving an email from Teleperformance regarding her death and providing contacts for local authorities regarding funeral arrangements. Unfortunately, the family struggles to afford transporting her body, and they may seek assistance from her church for burial arrangements.
The tragic passing of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi has sparked discussions about the challenging working conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya. Despite claims of being denied leave being dismissed by Teleperformance, the circumstances surrounding her death have raised significant concern among her colleagues. With many facing similar hardships, the incident underscores the urgent need for improvement in labor conditions and support for tech workers in the region.
Original Source: www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
