Kenyan content moderators mourn Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, who died after being unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Colleagues reported poor working conditions affecting mental health. Teleperformance denied allegations of neglect, but broader issues persist among subcontracted tech employees.
A vigil was held in Nairobi for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, who died under unclear circumstances after being unable to return home for two years. Her body was discovered decomposing in her house after three days, raising concerns among colleagues regarding her health and mental state prior to her passing. They noted that she was fatigued and desperate to go back to Nigeria.
Teleperformance Kenya, her employer, did not respond to the Associated Press regarding her death, but stated previously that allegations of denying leave to Olubunmi were unfounded. Many content moderators in Kenya, particularly those subcontracted, have reported substandard working conditions, including low pay, limited mental health support, excessively long hours, and intimidation in the workplace.
The situation has been further aggravated by ongoing lawsuits from over 100 former Facebook content moderators against the subcontractor Samasource, citing poor working conditions and unfair terminations. During the vigil, many content moderators voiced their fears that harsh working conditions contributed to Olubunmi’s tragic death.
Kauna Malgwi, a friend, mentioned that more than 100 Nigerian workers employed by Teleperformance are stuck without work permits for two years, preventing them from utilizing their annual return ticket benefit. After her death was confirmed, Olubunmi’s family was notified by Teleperformance, and they are struggling to cover the costs for her burial, with options for assistance being considered.
The tragic case highlights ongoing issues within the tech industry regarding mental health and working environments for content moderators, urging a renewed focus on their welfare and rights.
The vigil for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi underscores the severe challenges faced by content moderators in Kenya, including poor working conditions and lack of mental health support. Her untimely death emphasizes the need for better oversight and support for these workers, particularly those on subcontracted arrangements. As discussions around the treatment of content moderators continue, it serves as a reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes in the industry.
Original Source: www.2news.com
