DPP orders for investigation into allegations of rape by James Finlay’s bosses

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has directed the police to investigate reports of widespread sexual exploitation and abuse of the female employees of Unilever and James Finlay &Co tea plantations.

A BBC News Africa Eye investigation revealed that more than 70 women had been forced into sex by their supervisors and managers while working on the plantations.

The DPP Noordin Haji said the allegations were grave, and were contrary to sections 4 (attempted rape), 5 (sexual assault), 6 (compelled or induced indecent act), 23(1) (sexual harassment and 26 (deliberate transmission of HIV) of the Sexual Offences Act, as well as Section 6(1) of the Kenya Employment Act.

According to Section 6(1) of the Employment Act, an employee is sexually harassed if the employer or a representative of that employer directly or indirectly requests that employee for sexual intercourse or sexual contact or promises preferential treatment in employment.

“You are hereby directed to undertake comprehensive investigations into the allegations of rape, sexual assault, compelled or indecent acts, sexual harassment and deliberate transmission of HIV or any other life threatening sexually transmitted disease,” the DPP wrote.

Haji further directed that the file be submitted to his office within seven days.
Secret filming showed the managers, some of whom have been suspended, pressuring an undercover reporter for sex.

Some of the victims said they were left with no choice but to give in to the sexual demands.

Another victim revealed that she had been infected with HIV by her supervisor, after being pressured into having sex with him.