Content moderators in Nairobi mourn the death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, who passed away after being unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Allegations surround her working conditions, with claims of inadequate support and intimidation from employers. Teleperformance has denied accusations of denying her leave amidst increasing concerns about the treatment of content moderators.
In Nairobi, Kenya, technology professionals gathered to commemorate Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a content moderator for TikTok who tragically passed away under unclear circumstances after being unable to return to her native Nigeria for two years. Her body was found decomposing in her residence after three days, raising concerns among colleagues about her well-being prior to her death. Olubunmi reportedly expressed feelings of fatigue and desperation to return home.
The subcontractor for TikTok, Teleperformance Kenya, did not respond to inquiries regarding her case but publicly refuted claims that Olubunmi was denied leave, labeling those assertions as “baseless and untrue.” Content moderators in Kenya have highlighted grievances about their working conditions, reporting substandard pay, inadequate mental health resources, prolonged hours, and intimidation within the workplace.
In related developments, over 100 former Facebook content moderators initiated a lawsuit against the company, alleging inadequate compensation, poor working environments, and unjust dismissals by Samasource, the subcontractor based in Kenya. The vigil attendees voiced concerns, indicating that difficult working conditions could have played a role in Olubunmi’s passing.
Kauna Malgwi, a friend of Olubunmi, noted that many Nigerians working for Teleperformance have lacked work permits for two years, restricting their ability to utilize provided annual return ticket benefits. Olubunmi’s family learned of her death the day after her body was discovered, with Teleperformance contacting her brother to provide details on the investigation and arrangements for her autopsy and burial.
Due to financial constraints, Olubunmi’s family is contemplating requesting support from her church in Nairobi for her burial instead of repatriating her remains to Nigeria.
The case of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi casts a light on the precarious conditions faced by content moderators working for global tech firms in Kenya. The inadequacy of mental health support, employee rights regarding leave, and the oppressive working environment have been called into question. Unfortunately, Olubunmi’s tragic death underscores the pressing need for improved regulation and support within this critical industry.
Original Source: www.2news.com
