John Chebochok’s KTDA Director Election Nullified by Government
The government has overturned the election of Mr. John Chebochok, who is embroiled in a sex scandal, from his position as zonal director of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA)-operated Tegat/Rorok tea factory.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh disclosed that the decision to nullify the election was made due to strong objections from tea industry stakeholders.
The Tegat/Toror factory has been in the spotlight since Mr. Chebochok’s election as Ainamoi zonal director, amid accusations of sexual misconduct.
Mr. Chebochok’s appointment is on hold due to a lawsuit filed by six NGOs. Major tea buyers like James Finlays and Liptons Teas and Infusions have halted their trade with the factory in reaction to his election.
Dr. Ronoh confirmed the appointments of four other directors—Kemboi Geoffrey Kipkirui (Kapsaos zone), Philip Kipkoech (Mosop), Japeth Chepkwony (Kapsuser), and Chepkirui Korir (Sosiot)—following their election on June 29, 2024.
The ministry has yet to comment on ongoing High Court cases concerning the elections of Mr. Chebochok and Mr. Kiprono Bii, the Waldai zonal director.
In a letter to East Africa Tea Trade Association Managing Director George Omuga, Dr. Ronoh requested the suspension of the tea trade ban from the factory.
“You are directed to share this update with your board and sector stakeholders,” Dr. Ronoh wrote in the letter dated August 2, 2024.
He reassured the public and tea buyers of the ministry’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards in the sector.
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“The ministry remains dedicated to upholding high standards of professionalism within the sector,” Dr. Ronoh emphasized.
The dispute originated from a BBC documentary aired on February 20, 2023, which allegedly showed Mr. Chebochok and other managers in the South Rift region soliciting sexual favors from job seekers and employees.
Mr. Chebochok has avoided media interactions and refused to comment on the allegations. He has argued in court that he was judged without a fair hearing and that none of the women in the documentary had lodged formal complaints against him.
“None of the women featured in the documentary reported me to any authority regarding these false accusations,” Mr. Chebochok stated in court documents from Nairobi-based law firm Danstan Omari and Associates Advocates.
“I have been unjustly shamed in front of my family, friends, and the public due to the BBC airing the documentary without verifying the claims made by these women,” he added.
The challenge to his election includes several NGOs, such as Usikimye, Wangu Kanja Foundation, and CREAW.
The Law Society of Kenya and other groups are involved as interested parties. Ms. Mary Migwi, co-founder of Usikimye Foundation, said the case was taken up to address the issue of sexual exploitation of women.
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Both the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) and KTDA have refrained from endorsing Chebochok for the directorship.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) stated that no complaints were made against him at the time of his clearance.
“The checklist required a valid certificate of good conduct from the National Service’ Department of Criminal Investigations as proof of the candidate’s good standing,” according to the IEBC CEO.
On July 16, 2024, Justice Joseph Sergon issued a stay on Chebochok’s confirmation pending a ruling on the petition, which is scheduled for August 15.
An injunction was also granted against Mr. Bii’s confirmation following a petition by Ms. Beatrice Chepkirui Chepkwony.
Recent unrest at the factory, including shareholder riots and police involvement, has further underscored the contentious nature of these elections.
Despite the unrest, four directors were confirmed last week under stringent security measures.
John Chebochok’s KTDA Director Election Nullified by Government
