Kenya nullifies election of Tegat Tea Factory Director amid allegations of sexual violence

KENYA -The Kenyan government has nullified the election of John Chebochok as the Director of Tegat Tea Factory following allegations of his involvement in sexual violence against women.  

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Paul Ronoh, announced the decision, citing the uproar from stakeholders in the tea industry as a significant factor. 

The tea factory has been under intense scrutiny since Chebochok’s controversial election as the Ainamoi zonal director.  

His confirmation has been halted due to a case filed by six Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). In protest of his election, major tea buyers James Finlays and Liptons Tea and Infusion suspended trade with the factory. 

Despite the controversy, Ronoh confirmed that four other directors—Kemboi Godfrey Kipkirui (Kapsaos zone), Philip Kipkoech (Mosop), Japeth Chepkwony (Kapsuser), and Chekirui Korir (Soroti)—were confirmed by shareholders following their election on June 29, 2024.  

However, the ministry remained silent on pending High Court cases regarding the elections of Chebochok and Kiprono Bii, the Waldai zonal director. 

The controversy stems from a BBC documentary aired on February 2023, which allegedly showed Chebochok and other managers at multinational tea companies in the South Rift region seeking sexual favors from job seekers and workers.  

Chebochok has claimed in court that he was condemned without being heard, asserting that none of the women shown in the documentary reported him to any authority. 

The petition against his election confirmation involves multiple NGOs, including Usikimye, Wangu Kanja Foundation, and CREAW. Mary Migwi, co-founder of Usikimye Foundation, stated that the case was pursued in the public interest due to the sexual exploitation of women. 

Both the Tea Board of Kenya (TKB) and KTDA have distanced themselves from clearing Chebochok to contest the directorship.  

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) maintained that no complaints were filed against him at the time of his clearance.  

“The checklist provided that a valid certificate of good conduct issued by the National Service’ Department of Criminal Investigations would suffice as proof of good standing of a candidate,” said Marjan Hussein Marjan, IEBC CEO. 

On July 15, the Kericho High Court suspended the swearing-in ceremony of John Chebochok as the newly appointed director of Toror Tea Factory pending the hearing and determination of the petition filed against him.  

The court directed all petitioners and other interested parties in the case to serve and file their written submissions within three days ahead of its ruling set for August 15, 2024. 

Liked this article? Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World. HERE