Technology workers in Kenya gathered for a vigil on Tuesday to mourn the sudden and mysterious death of their colleague, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok employed by subcontractor Teleperformance Kenya.
Olubunmi’s decomposing body was discovered in her house three days after her death, sparking concerns about her well-being and working conditions. While the exact cause of death remains unclear, her colleagues say she had long complained of fatigue and was desperate to return home a journey she had not been able to make in two years.
Tech Workers Blame Poor Conditions
The content moderation industry in Kenya has faced intense scrutiny over poor pay, long hours, mental health struggles, and work-related stress. Olubunmi’s death has amplified these concerns, with workers stating that the inability to travel home due to missing work permits may have worsened her situation.
“More than 100 Nigerians are working under Teleperformance who haven’t had work permits for the last two years, so they have not been able to travel home despite having an annual return ticket benefit,” said Kauna Malgwi, a friend of the deceased.
Company Denies Responsibility, Family Struggles for Burial
Teleperformance Kenya has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Olubunmi was never denied leave. However, her family in Nigeria claims she had only been able to travel home once in three years.
After her body was found, Teleperformance emailed her brother notifying him of her death and providing contact details for Kenyan authorities regarding the autopsy and burial arrangements.
With no financial support to repatriate her remains, the family is now considering asking her church in Nairobi to conduct the burial.
Ongoing Legal Battles Over Working Conditions
Kenya has become a hub for global tech subcontractors, providing content moderation services for platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and OpenAI. However, numerous reports have exposed harsh working conditions at these firms.
In 2023, more than 100 former Facebook content moderators sued Meta, accusing its Kenya-based subcontractor, Samasource, of low wages, unfair dismissals, and psychological distress. The lawsuit shone a spotlight on the hidden costs of content moderation, where workers are exposed to traumatic content with little mental health support.
Calls for Reform
The tragic death of Olubunmi has reignited debates about workers’ rights in Kenya’s tech industry, with employees demanding better working conditions, fair pay, and the right to travel home without restrictions.
As investigations continue, Olubunmi’s colleagues say they fear for their own well-being and urge global tech giants to take responsibility for the human cost of content moderation.
