The Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) has called for the resignation of John Chebochok, the newly elected Director of Toror Tea Factory, which is managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
In a statement on July 3, CASV called for his resignation following several failed attempts at halting his candidacy.
These concerns follow his election despite an exposé by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) where Chebochok was implicated in asking for sexual favors in exchange for jobs.
“The Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV), urgently calls for the immediate resignation of Mr. John Chebochok from his recently elected position as Director of Toror Tea Factory, managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA),” the statement read.
CASV further revealed that despite the allegations against him, he was set to be sworn in which the human rights body termed as a disregard to the issue at hand.
“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,” noted CASV.
“Mr. Chebochok was prominently featured in a BBC documentary that exposed his egregious abuse of power, including sexually exploiting women and demanding sexual favors in exchange for employment.”
Also Read: John Chebochok: KTDA Newly Elected Director Implicated in Sex for Work Scandal
Additionally, the activists questioned why he remained on the ballot despite being fired and why he was never charged in court despite the evidence against him.
“Despite these grave allegations and his subsequent termination by James Finlays, now Browns Investment Plc, in 2023, Mr. Chebochok remained on the ballot. He was never charged in a court of law due to the reluctance of his alleged victims to come forward,” CASV said.
KTDA CEO Raises Concerns
The human rights body also stated that Kenya Tea Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai raised concerns about his election citing that it would be harmful to their global markets.
“The decision to allow Mr. Chebochok’s bid for the directorship was met with significant concern. On June 24th, Kenya Tea Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai, expressed these concerns in a letter to IEBC CEO Hussein Marjan. Mr. Mutai highlighted the potential negative repercussions on the global market for Kenyan tea,” noted CASV.
“In addition, he noted that the Articles of Association of Tegat Tea Factory Company Limited, under which Toror Tea Factory falls, stipulate that a director must be of good standing in society. Mr. Chebochok’s candidacy clearly violates this stipulation.”
Also Read: James Finlay Kenya Suspends Two Contractors Accused of Sexually Exploiting Women
CASV Demands Accountability From IEBC
CASV further called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to be held accountable for clearing Chebochok to vie despite the serious allegations highlighted in the BBC expose.
“This failure to act appropriately raises significant questions about the IEBC’s commitment to ensuring that only candidates of integrity are allowed to hold public office,” the statement by CAVS read in part.
Additionally, the activists expressed that the election of Mr. Chebochok represents a significant safeguarding risk to female tea workers and smallholders and undermines the strides made in addressing human rights issues within the tea sector.
Likewise, it perpetuates a culture of impunity, discouraging victims from speaking out and seeking justice.
Further, the coalition expressed that Chebochok’s presence in a leadership role poses a major reputational risk to the Kenyan tea industry.
CAVS stated that the reappointment of managers terminated for similar offenses by other tea companies has already contributed to the culture of impunity and it is imperative that immediate action is taken to prevent further damage.
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