James Finlay calls for immediate removal of newly elected Toror Tea Factory Director  

KENYA – James Finlay Limited and Lipton Teas and Infusions have jointly called for the immediate removal of John Chebochok from his position as the Director of Toror Tea Factory, managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).  

This follows allegations of sexual assault against Chebochok, brought to light by a February 2023 BBC Africa expose. 

The expose featured undercover footage showing Chebochok and another individual, John Asava, allegedly preying on women workers at Finlays’ factory in Kericho in exchange for employment.  

Despite these serious allegations, Chebochok was recently elected as the tea factory director in an election overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 

Finlays addressed a letter to senior KTDA officials, urging immediate action. “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.  

Finlays emphasized their prompt response to the allegations, which included terminating Chebochok’s contract, barring him from their property, and reporting the allegations to local and national police authorities. 

Although Chebochok was not formally charged, Finlays underscored that the undercover footage and survivor testimonies presented in the documentary cannot be disregarded.  

“It is our strong view that it is untenable for Chebochok to hold any position within the KTDA. Allowing him to hold a position of authority serves to counteract efforts to tackle sexual and gender-based violence on tea farms,” the company stated.  

They further warned that Chebochok’s position jeopardizes their customer/supplier relationship and risks damaging the reputation of the KTDA and the broader Kenyan tea industry.  

Echoing Finlays’ concerns, Lipton Teas and Infusions stated, “Lipton Teas and Infusions had been the largest buyer of tea from the Ainamoi zone. In light of these developments, we have immediately ceased purchasing from the Tegat/Toror factory and urge our industry partners to do the same until appropriate measures are taken.” 

KTDA responded by clarifying that it does not have the authority to dismiss Chebochok. 

“He was elected by one of the six electoral areas of the factory on June 28, 2024, and the shareholders of the factory will have to make the final decision at a special general meeting,” KTDA stated. 

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