Tea Giants Demand Removal of Toror Tea Factory Director Over Sexual Assault Allegations

International tea suppliers James Finlay Limited and Lipton Teas and Infusions have called for the immediate removal of John Chebochok as Director of Toror Tea Factory, citing sexual assault allegations from a BBC Africa exposé in February 2023.

In letters to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, both companies condemned Chebochok's recent election, referencing undercover footage showing him preying on female workers in exchange for jobs at Finlays' Kericho factory.

Finlays' Corporate Affairs Director Ben Woolf stated, "We terminated Chebochok’s contract immediately upon learning of the allegations and barred him from our property." Lipton’s Chief Supply Chain Officer Bruno Laine added, "His appointment undermines Kenya's tea industry standards and President Ruto's vision for global recognition."

Both companies have halted tea purchases from Toror Tea Factory and urged industry partners to do the same until Chebochok is removed.