LSK Calls for John Chebochok’s Resignation as Tea Factory Director Over Sexual Misconduct Claims

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The Law Society of Kenya demands John Chebochok’s resignation as Director of Toror Tea Factory due to allegations of sexual exploitation.
• KTDA and international tea suppliers call for his removal, while Chebochok seeks a Ksh.100 million defamation settlement from the BBC.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a series of demands in protest of John Chebochok’s election as Director of the Toror Tea Factory, managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA). 

In a statement released on Wednesday, LSK expressed deep concern over Chebochok’s appointment, highlighting his alleged involvement in cases of sexual exploitation at a James Finlay Limited factory in Kericho. 

These allegations were brought to light in a 2023 BBC exposé titled “Sex for Work: The True Cost of Our Tea,” which showed Chebochok preying on female workers in exchange for employment.

Following widespread public outcry, KTDA distanced itself from Chebochok’s appointment, stating it had no role in the election process, which was conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 

LSK questioned why Chebochok was allowed to contest for the position despite the serious allegations against him, arguing that his appointment undermines efforts to protect women’s rights in the tea industry. 

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“It sends a troubling message that individuals with allegations of sexual misconduct can still attain positions of power, thereby potentially perpetuating a culture of impunity and fear among women workers,” LSK stated. 

They added that allowing Chebochok to assume a leadership role not only jeopardizes the welfare of female workers but also tarnishes the reputation of the Kenyan tea industry on the global stage.

LSK has called for Chebochok’s immediate resignation and urged the IEBC to review its vetting procedures to prevent individuals with questionable characters from being elected to leadership positions, in line with Chapter 6 of the Constitution. 

Additionally, LSK demanded that KTDA implement robust policies to ensure the safety and protection of all workers from sexual harassment and exploitation. 

They also called for transparency from KTDA regarding the steps being taken to address concerns about Chebochok’s appointment and to hold accountable those who fail to uphold ethical standards.

James Finlay Limited and Lipton Teas and Infusions have joined the call for Chebochok’s immediate removal. 

In a letter from Group Corporate Affairs Director Ben Woolf, the international tea supplier emphasized that, despite Chebochok not being formally charged for the alleged offenses, the undercover footage and survivors’ testimonies in the documentary cannot be ignored. 

“We are writing to request that you immediately remove John Chebochok from his position as Director of Toror Tea Factory, a KTDA factory,” the letter stated. 

Finlay’s has also ceased purchasing tea from the Toror Factory and urged other stakeholders to do the same until Chebochok is removed from his director position.

Meanwhile, Chebochok has issued a demand letter to the BBC, seeking a Ksh.100 million defamation settlement over their documentary. 

Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, Chebochok claimed that the allegations were orchestrated by his competitors in both politics and the tea sector, who allegedly aimed to push Finlay’s out of the factory. 

“Politicians who are against our client’s political bid appeared to have been angered that he implemented mechanization at Finlay, resulting in job losses for some of their voters, and the said competitors fought the process unsuccessfully,” the letter stated.