Technology workers in Kenya mourn Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a content moderator who died after not being able to return home to Nigeria for two years. Concerns surrounding her working conditions and treatment by employer Teleperformance have emerged, with many colleagues attributing her death to negligence and stress. The deceased’s family is struggling with the costs related to her burial.
On Tuesday, technology workers in Kenya gathered to honor Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a content moderator for TikTok, who died under unclear circumstances after not being able to return to Nigeria for two years. Her body was discovered in her home three days following her passing, and while the exact cause remains unknown, colleagues mentioned her expressed desire to go home and complaints of fatigue.
Teleperformance Kenya, Olubunmi’s employer, has not publicly commented on the situation but labeled claims regarding her denial of leave as “baseless and untrue.” Former moderators have previously reported substandard working conditions, including low wages, insufficient mental health support, long hours, and workplace intimidation, highlighting a culture that may contribute to such tragic incidents.
The vigil saw participation from over a hundred content moderators, including many from Nigeria, who discussed the dire circumstances that may have led to Olubunmi’s untimely death. Kauna Malgwi, a friend of the deceased, noted that many Nigerian employees at Teleperformance lacked work permits, inhibiting their ability to utilize annual return ticket benefits to travel home.
After being informed of her passing, Olubunmi’s family received notification from Teleperformance by email. They provided contact information for the Kenyan officers involved in the investigation and arrangements. However, the family is facing financial difficulties in repatriating her body and is contemplating seeking assistance from her church in Nairobi for burial.
The tragic passing of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi raises significant concerns regarding the working conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya, particularly those employed by subcontractors. It highlights the ongoing challenges, including inadequate mental health support and restrictive immigration issues, that may severely impact the well-being of these workers. The need for improved labor standards and enhanced support systems for expatriates remains urgent.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
