Technology workers in Kenya mourned the death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, whose decomposing body was found after she was unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Colleagues attribute her death to poor working conditions and the stress of her circumstances. Teleperformance Kenya denied allegations of denying her leave. Financial constraints complicate burial arrangements for her family.
In Nairobi, Kenya, technology workers gathered for a vigil in memory of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, who passed away under unclear circumstances. Olubunmi had reportedly been unable to return home for two years prior to her death, which was discovered by neighbors after a three-day period. Statements from colleagues indicated that she had expressed feelings of fatigue and a strong desire to return to Nigeria.
The circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s death remain ambiguous, and her employer, Teleperformance Kenya, has not responded to inquiries by The Associated Press. Although the company provided a statement denying claims that her leave was denied, her colleagues criticized the working conditions for content moderators. They noted that the conditions included low pay, insufficient mental health support, extended working hours, and threats of intimidation.
Moreover, a group of over 100 former Facebook content moderators has filed lawsuits against the company, citing poor remuneration and deplorable working environments due to the actions of subcontracted firms like Samasource. During the vigil, workers highlighted how these adverse conditions may have played a role in Olubunmi’s demise.
Colleagues revealed that many Nigerian employees at Teleperformance have lacked work permits for two years, hindering their ability to travel despite having designated return tickets. Following the discovery of her body, Olubunmi’s family was notified by Teleperformance via email, presenting contact details for Kenyan officials regarding the autopsy and burial. However, her family faces financial difficulties in repatriating her body, leading them to consider requesting assistance from her church in Nairobi.
The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi underscores the urgent need for improved working conditions for content moderators in Kenya. Despite assertions from Teleperformance Kenya regarding her employment status, the outpouring of grief from her colleagues highlights the broader issue of worker treatment in tech jobs. With many content moderators experiencing similar struggles, this incident calls attention to the urgent need for reform and enhanced support within the industry.
Original Source: www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
