DPP Haji gives police 7 days to investigate allegations of sexual abuse at Unilever, Finlays tea plantations

Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has written to the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome directing him to commence investigations into allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in tea plantations owned by Unilever Tea and the Finlays company.

In the letter, Haji stated his directive is in reference to a documentary that was run by BBC Africa Eye titled "Sex for Work: The True Cost of Our Tea".

Narrating their harrowing experiences in the hands of their predating superiors, female employees of Unilever and Finlays tea plantations intimated to BBC's Tom Odula how they have been subjected to sexual abuse by their supervisors and managers.

The DPP has to this effect, directed the police to undertake investigations into the allegations of rape, sexual assault, compelled or indecent acts, sexual harassment and deliberate transmission of HIV.

"You are hereby directed to undertake investigations into the allegations of rape, sexual assault, compelled or indecent acts, sexual harassment and deliberate transmission of HIV or any other life-threatening sexually transmitted disease, as highlighted by BBC Africa Eye Documentary. The resultant investigation file should be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions within seven(7) days of the date hereof," the letter read in part.

Finlays fires contractors after BBC’s ‘Sex for Work’ exposé

James Finlay Kenya confirmed suspending two individuals adversely mentioned in a BBC investigative story alleging sexual harassment of casual labourers on tea farms in Kericho.

In a statement on Tuesday, January 21, the international firm said it had terminated its agreement with John Chebochok’s company Sislo Holdings.

Chebochok, who according to BBC was fired before the documentary aired early this week, was captured by secret cameras demanding sexual favours from women in return for jobs on the tea farms.

Terming the testimony of the victims as "deeply shocking and upsetting", Finlays said it has offered direct employment to all 300 contractors who were working with the company through Sislo to ensure their livelihoods are not affected.

The company said John Asava, who was also filmed preying on women workers in exchange for employment, has been sacked.

Finlays noted that both Chebochok and Asava have been barred from entering the company premises.

"There is no place for behaviour of this kind anywhere in our business. We firmly believe that everyone should feel safe when they come to work at Finlays. That is why we have robust policies and procedures in place – such as comprehensive guidance to staff, detailed and continuous training programmes, an anonymous third-party whistle-blowing hotline, as well as dedicated welfare and medical staff available on site – to prevent abuse of any kind," Finlays said in the statement.

Further, the company said Chebochok and Asava have been reported to Kenyan Police for investigation and further action.

"We will continue to work closely with the police, sharing any additional information that results from investigations," the company added.