Outrage is brewing as John Chebochok, who was exposed as a sex predator in a BBC documentary, is vying for the Regional Director at the Toror Tea Factory, managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
In February 2023, a documentary titled “Sex for Work: The True Cost of Our Tea” by BBC’s Africa Eye and Panorama exposed Chebochok’s dark side.
The exposé revealed harrowing stories of sexual exploitation, with undercover footage capturing Chebochok as a key perpetrator.
The women’s testimonies and undercover painted a grim picture of a man who exploited his power to force them into sexual acts to secure employment.
It included undercover footage and testimonies from women who had to give in to his sexual demands to keep their jobs. Some of these women even contracted HIV from these encounters.
In the documentary, Chebochok was captured booking a hotel room. He planned to engage in sexual activities with an undercover woman. He promised her a job with a Sh15k salary.
One woman shared her heartbreaking story. She had no choice but to comply to support her family. Chebochok would ask her to stay behind after a long day’s work to have sex.
The revelations rightly caused widespread anger and calls for justice.
James Finlays Kenya, a major tea exporter, responded by suspending two contractors involved in the scandal and ending its agreement with Chebochok’s company, Sislo Holdings.
Despite this, Chebochok is still trying to secure a key position at KTDA. Previously, he unsuccessfully vied for MP for Kipkelion West in 2017.
Outrage at John Chebochok KTDA Director Candidacy
This audacity has not gone unnoticed. The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and the Center for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) Kenya are loudly calling for his removal from the race, rallying under the powerful hashtags #stopChebochok and #protectourwomen.
As the KTDA election day looms, all eyes are on this unfolding drama. Will the disgraced Chebochok be ousted, or will he manage to slither his way into power? Stay tuned for more on this scandalous saga!
By Vivian K.