Teleperformance Kenya denied blocking Nigerian content moderator Ladi Olubunmi from traveling home before her death. Colleagues claimed she sought leave due to fatigue. Despite entitlement to an annual return ticket, they alleged work permit issues hindered her travel. The case has raised concerns over working conditions for Nigerians in Kenya, with a vigil held in her memory.
Teleperformance Kenya, a subcontractor for TikTok, refuted allegations that it prevented Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Olubunmi, from returning home prior to her passing. Reports indicate that Olubunmi’s decomposing body was discovered three days after her suspected death in her apartment. The company asserted that it did not deny her leave request, despite claims from colleagues.
Colleagues of Olubunmi reported that she had expressed considerable fatigue and a strong desire to return to Nigeria. Although she was entitled to an annual return ticket, they alleged she faced obstacles due to work permit concerns. Teleperformance Kenya labeled these claims as “baseless and untrue,” maintaining that her requests were appropriately handled.
Having relocated to Kenya in 2022 to serve as a content moderator for TikTok through Teleperformance, Olubunmi’s untimely death sparked concern among her peers. In response, technology workers in Kenya organized a vigil in her memory, voicing apprehension over poor working conditions they believe may have contributed to her demise.
Kauna Malgwi, a friend of the deceased, highlighted the challenges faced by over 100 Nigerians employed under Teleperformance who lack valid work permits, restricting their ability to return home despite being entitled to travel benefits. Concerns about the working status of these individuals were echoed during the vigil.
Efforts to obtain comments from Abdulrahman Balogun, the spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission regarding the tragedy, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to inquiries. This incident reflects ongoing issues, as it is not the first case of a Nigerian dying under unexplained circumstances in Kenya, with previous incidents reported involving the mysterious deaths of two Nigerians in July 2021.
The tragic death of Ladi Olubunmi raises significant concerns regarding the working conditions for Nigerians in Kenya, particularly those employed under Teleperformance. The company’s denial of wrongdoing together with reports of inadequate work permits highlights the challenges faced by foreign workers. Calls for better working conditions and clearer communication from authorities remain paramount to prevent future tragedies.
Original Source: punchng.com
