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The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) now wants the electoral commission to revoke the nomination of a candidate in the looming Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) polls.

The women parliamentarians petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (KTDA) to block one of the candidates for the post of director at Toror Tea Factory, John Chebochok from contesting the seat, citing past allegations of sexual harassment.

The women parliamentarians protested IEBC’s decision to clear Chebochok to stand for the director’s position.

Undercover footage

In February last year, Chebochok was adversely featured in BBC’s Africa Eye and Panorama programmes documenting the sexual exploitation of women working in Kenya’s tea industry.

The broadcast included detailed testimony of sexual exploitation from female workers, as well as undercover footage implicating Chebochok as a key perpetrator.

“Given the nature of the allegations, we believe it is essential to carefully scrutinise his suitability since electing him into this position would pose a significant risk to his juniors, especially female workers who would be vulnerable to further exploitation under his leadership,” said Leah Sankaire, the association’s chairperson.

“KEWOPA calls upon the IEBC, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), Tea Board Kenya and the stakeholders to ensure that the selection process of the Director position is conducted with utmost transparency and accountability,” she added.