“As a legal entity, KTDA has no role in managing the election of smallholder tea factory directors except for the administrative purposes of availing farmers’ details and venues for voting,” read part of the statement.
“The responsibility of conducting elections was bestowed upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The role played by IEBC included vetting the candidates, receipt of nomination papers, printing of ballots, voting, and tallying of results.”
KTDA Responds After Uproar
KTDA stated that Chebochok was cleared through the vetting process to run for directorship at Tegat Tea Factory despite being featured in the BBC expose of February 2023 called ‘Sex for Work: The true cost of our tea’.
Furthermore, it noted that it released a statement on June 25th urging the independent bodies to ensure those cleared were not of questionable character and unethical behavior.
“Each factory Company is an independent entity with its own memorandum and articles of association that stipulate how the directors’ elections are to be done, “the statement further read.
Also Read: John Chebochok: KTDA Newly Elected Director Implicated in Sex for Work Scandal
KTDA said the shareholders of the factory will have to make a final decision at a special general meeting on whether to accept Chebochok as a factory director or not.
“We call upon all our tea buyers, stakeholders, and partners to allow us to work with all the concerned players and authorities to resolve concerns raised regarding his nomination due to the legal and procedural complexities outlined above, the statement further read.
“We shall continuously update you on this since the process of confirming the Directors is yet to be completed.”
In February 2023 Chebochok hit the headlines when the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Africa Eye and Panorama broadcast exposed him for exploiting female workers by demanding sex in exchange for job opportunities, contract extensions, and improved working conditions.
Finlays, CASV Puts Tea Agency on Spot
On July 1 James Finlays, tea company where John Chebochok previously worked as a contractor ordered KTDA to removal him from the position.
The company stated that allowing Chebochok to hold a position of authority in the KTDA serves to counteract the excellent work being done by many stakeholders across Kenya and globally to tackle the issue of sexual and gender-based violence on tea farms.
Also Read: Pressure on Newly Elected Director to Quit Over Damning Exposé
It stated that his appointment also undermines our customer/supplier relationship and puts the reputation of the KTDA and the wider Kenyan tea industry, at risk.
“While no charges were ultimately brought, the undercover footage of Mr. Chebochok, as well as the testimony of survivors featured within the documentary, cannot be ignored. It is our strong view that it is untenable for Mr. Chebochok to hold any position within the KTDA,” it said in a statement.
Finlays also warned that it will stop purchasing tea from Toror Tea Factory if Chebochok remains as Director.
Elsewhere, the Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) also called for his resignation. It called on IEBC to be held accountable for clearing Chebochok to vie despite the serious allegations highlighted in the BBC expose.
“Despite multiple documented attempts to halt his candidacy, Mr. Chebochok is set to be sworn in, an action that profoundly disregards the serious allegations against him,” CASV said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
