A major case involving sexual abuse on Kenyan tea farms is now moving forward, with the High Court of Kenya in Kericho taking action to protect survivors as they seek justice. On September 26, 2024, the court gave instructions on how the survivors’ statements will be collected, and importantly, how their identities will be kept confidential to ensure their safety.
The case was brought by several organizations, including Wangu Kanja Foundation and OXFAM, against Tegat Tea Factory, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), and others. They are challenging the appointment of John Chebochok as Director of the Tegat/Toror Tea Factory and his position on the KTDA board. Chebochok was accused of sexual misconduct in a 2023 BBC documentary titled, The True Cost of Our Tea: Sexual Abuse on Kenyan Tea Farms. These accusations have raised serious concerns about whether he should hold such a leadership position.
KELIN is participating in the case to ensure that the voices of the survivors are heard. KELIN’s program officer, Elsie Milimu, welcomed the court’s steps to protect the survivors, ensuring they can testify without fear of being exposed or harmed.
“This decision highlights the importance of keeping survivors at the center of the justice process while protecting their identities,” Milimu explained. “It’s a critical step toward ensuring that survivors of sexual violence can come forward safely and confidently.”
KELIN is also focused on raising awareness about the widespread issue of sexual violence in the agricultural sector and pushing for greater protection for women in the workplace. “This case sends a strong message: individuals accused of such serious crimes should not hold positions of power,” Milimu added.
The court will hold further hearings towards the end of October 2024. In the meantime, all parties involved have been asked to file the necessary documents by mid-October to keep the case moving forward.
Follow KELIN on social media via @KELINKenya for more updates on this case.
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For more information, contact:
Elsie Milimu
Program Officer – SRHR & Advocate for the 10th Interested Party, KELIN
Email: elsiemilimu@kelinkenya.org
