The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed deep concern over the election of John Chebochok as the director of Toror Tea Factory, a company managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
This decision has ignited a firestorm of public outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the protection of women’s rights within the tea industry.
Chebochok was prominently featured in a BBC documentary aired in February 2023, titled “The True Cost of Our Tea,” which exposed severe labor abuses within the tea industry.
In a Press Statement dated 10 July 2024, the LSK has questioned the vetting procedures conducted by the IEBC, which allowed Chebochok to be cleared for candidacy despite the serious allegations against him.
LSK Demands
The documentary included undercover footage and survivor testimonies, leading to Chebochok’s termination from James Finlay’s United and his subsequent ban from their properties.
Despite these serious allegations and his dismissal, he was allowed to contest for and was elected to the position of director of the Toror Tea Factory on June 29, 2024.
Also Read: LSK Rejects Faith Odhiambo Appointment to Debt Taskforce, Gives Reason
The LSK demands that John Chebochok resigns from his position as director of Toror Tea Factory with immediate effect.
Additionally, the society calls on the IEBC to review its vetting procedures to conform with the express provisions of Chapter 6 of the Constitution to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from contesting for leadership positions in the future.
The LSK also urges the KTDA to implement robust policies and mechanisms to ensure the safety and protection of all workers from sexual harassment and exploitation.
However, KTDA and other stakeholders must be transparent about the steps being taken to address these concerns and must hold accountable those who fail to uphold ethical standards.
Questioning of IEBC Vetting Process
The LSK further insists that candidates for leadership positions, especially in industries with a history of gender-based violence, undergo thorough background checks to ensure they are of unblemished character.
Also Read: Tables Turn on Raila as Gen Zs Write to African Union
“We are taken aback by the insincere justification provided by the IEBC CEO, claiming that the presentation of all relevant documents, including police clearance certificates, was sufficient to validate Mr. Chebochok’s candidacy,” said Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya.
“We remind the IEBC of their mandate under Article 88(4)(k) of the Constitution to perform their duties, including the clearance of candidates contesting in elections, in accordance with the Constitution,” she added.
Odhiambo emphasized that the approach taken by the IEBC, which resulted in the clearance of Chebochok, is constitutionally untenable as it ignores and promotes an affront to the principles of leadership and integrity under Article 73.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
