Court sets date to rule on Chebochok's election as tea factory director

Petitioners challenging the election of John Chebochok as a director of Toror Tea Factory under the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) made their final submissions on Tuesday before the Kericho High Court.

Appearing before Justice Joseph Sergon, the five petitioners-representing various civil society groups and women's rights organisations contended that the respondent is unfit to hold public office due to alleged involvement in sexual exploitation of female workers during his tenure at James Finlay Company.

The claims prominently featured in the BBC investigative documentary “Sex for Work; The True Taste of Our Tea,” which exposed alleged systemic sexual abuse within Kenya’s tea sector.

The petitioners maintained that Chebochok’s election was not only morally indefensible but also a serious setback to ongoing efforts aimed at promoting accountability and protecting vulnerable workers in the tea industry.

Lead counsel Amazon Koech, representing the petitioners, told the court that the case seeks more than just removal of an individual; it aims to trigger a broader policy shift within KTDA and the tea sector at large.

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“We want the court to give a landmark ruling that will address glaring lapses in the vetting processes for KTDA director elections and the implementation of Chapter Six of the Constitution, which speaks to leadership and integrity,” said Koech.

She further argued that despite KTDA being a private entity, it is bound by constitutional principles, including the protection of women from violence and discrimination.

The petitioners are Usikimye CBO, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Oxfam, The African Gender and Media Initiative Trust (GEM) Registered Trustees, and Flone Initiative.

The respondents are John Chebochok, Tegat Tea Factory Limited, KTDA, Tea Board of Kenya, and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Emanuel Yegon of the Medical Legal Unit emphasized that Chebochok fails to meet the constitutional threshold for leadership and integrity, citing the alleged violation of over 100 women. “There is an urgent need to stop his confirmation,” Yegon said.

Scolastica Nderi, appearing on behalf of the Law Society of Kenya, urged the court to set a precedent that would guide the conduct and vetting of future KTDA factory director elections. “We hope the judgment will send a strong message that power does not place anyone above accountability,” she said.

Nyokabi Njogu, an advocate with the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV/Aids (KELIN), called on the court to compel state and private institutions to uphold their obligation to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

“We anticipate a judgment that recognises the necessity for institutions to investigate allegations of sexual abuse thoroughly, prosecute perpetrators, and provide remedies for survivors,” she said.

Justice Joseph Sergon will deliver the ruling on July 24, 2025.