The Coalition against Sexual Violence (COSV) has expressed concern over the handling of the ongoing constitutional petition E0026 of 2024 filed at the Kericho High Court following the explosive BBC Eye Africa expose, “Sex for Work: The true cost of our Tea”.

The case stems from widespread abuses at Unilever-run tea farms based in Kericho County that was exposed. Disturbing narrations were picked by investigators. It put one of the biggest green gold growers under immense spotlight with top management dragged in the scandal.

According to COSV, the petitioners listed in the matter have been denied the right to cross-examine respondents who would otherwise act as witnesses due to their knowledge of the scandal as people with operational capacity.

The respondents’ absence, according to COSV, deprives the public of key insights into the institutional shortcomings that allow sexual exploitation to persist.

“This case now at an advanced stage in court exposes a pattern of sexual exploitation, systemic negligence and institutional silence in Kenya’s tea industry. The petition seeks to hold individuals and institutions accountable for the systemic failures that enabled the prolonged abuse of vulnerable women workers.”

Four respondents, in their filed responses, have not refuted the structural failure outlined in the petition. Their positions reinforce the petitioners’ claims and underscore a collective acknowledgement of the urgent need for industry-wide reform. The main accused person (John Chebochok), being a central figure in the case, is not the only or sole focus being looked at.

“Chebochok represents and symbolises the systemic failures that arise when institutions neglect their duty to protect vulnerable workers, especially women. His actions reflect the consequences of inadequate vetting, weak accountability measures and persistent protection gaps. Also, the inability to interrogate the 2^nd to 4^th Respondents has left vital questions unanswered regarding director elections, vetting procedures and whistleblower protections. These unresolved concerns highlight the pressing need to strengthen oversight and governance within the sector,” read a statement by COSV.

The petition was filed to secure justice for countless women who have suffered in silence. It was put together primarily to dismantle impunity, challenge broken systems and demand that accountability becomes the standard and not the exception.

“On behalf of the Petitioners, we hope this case will contribute to transformative jurisprudence and catalyze policy reforms that safeguard all workers. It is a call to action, ensuring that no woman ever has to endure what so many have suffered in silence. Beyond tea plantations, the petitioners remain optimistic that these proceedings will shape legal and policy frameworks capable of protecting women workers across all sectors. This fight is about shifting culture, closing legal loopholes and building a country where no woman fears retribution for speaking her truth.”

COSV comprises organisations which is driven to fighting sexual violence in Kenya. It provides support service for survivors plus promotes and advocates for systemic change to end violence against women and girls. Other key supporters of the petition are Oxfam and Wanja Kungu Foundation.