Kenya Senate leader vows to probe BBC tea abuse exposé

Kenya’s Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot has told the BBC that parliament "will get to the bottom of the matter" after a BBC exposé showing widespread sexual abuse in tea plantations.

The Africa Eye investigation found that more than 70 women had been abused by their managers at plantations operated for years by two British companies, Unilever and James Finlay & Co, which supply some of the world’s most popular brands.

Speaking to the BBC at his parliament office, Mr Cheruiyot said he was heartbroken at the levels of sexual abuse exposed in the tea farms run by companies which speak of fair business practices.

Mr Cheruiyot said parliament would demand decisive action including jail terms and sackings, as well as compensation for the victims.

He regretted that the women were afraid to speak out and suggested setting up safe spaces for victims of sexual abuse.

The public prosecutor has already directed police to investigate the matter for labour and sexual offences, including rape and deliberate transmission of HIV.

In parliament, a task force has been formed to investigate the companies and the business practices of multinationals in Kenya.

James Finlay & Co said it immediately suspended two managers named in the report and it was investigating whether its Kenyan operation had "an endemic issue with sexual violence", the company added.

Unilever said it was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the allegations. The company sold its operation in Kenya while the BBC was filming.

The new owner, Lipton Teas and Infusions, said it had suspended two managers, and had ordered a "full and independent investigation".

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: BBC