ACTIVIST IN TEA FIRMS SEXUAL ABUSE CASE FOUND DEAD AT HOME

NAIROBI - A key player in a case by current and former workers who were sexually exploited at two multinational tea companies in Kenya’s South Rift region has died.

Dr Godfrey Onyango, chairman of the Justice and Environment Foundation, was found dead at his home in Lanet, Nakuru county on Friday evening, according to family members.

He was involved in the petition by current and former workers of Ekaterra (formerly Unilever) and James Finlays - operating in Bomet and Kericho counties - for the two companies to admit liability in exposing them to sexual exploitation by managers and supervisors.

Dr Onyango had not complained of any sickness prior to being found dead in the sitting room of his house, having collapsed at around 17.30 hours, his family said.

Tom Mboya Onyango, his younger brother said he did not have any visible injuries. “I found him, having collapsed and died in the house. He was okay in the morning. I checked on him at around 11 hours,” he said, adding he was alone.

Dr Onyango, who leaves behind a widow and three children, was actively involved in human rights and environmental issues especially in the workplace, which made him come in contact with victims of sexual exploitation in the companies.

On Monday, he called the Nation and requested not to be named in a series of publications on the sexual exploitation and harsh working conditions in the tea industry.

“There is so much going on. I do not want to talk about it. But do not use any of my statements in your story. Kindly talk to wakili (lawyer) Gilbert Kemboi," he said. At least 50 current and former workers of the two companies have, through Kericho advocate Gilbert Kemboi of Kemboi Chambers Advocates, written demand notices to the multinationals, demanding that they admit liability or be sued for compensation for violation of their basic rights. – DAILY NATION, Kenya.