Global tea giants Lipton Teas and Infusions and Finlays have paused business with Toror Tea Factory following the appointment of John Chebochok as director of its owner, Tegat Tea Factory.

Allegations of sexual harassment against female workers at the factory were brought against Chebochok in an undercover investigation broadcast by the BBC in 2023.

He was elected as director of Tegat Tea Factory last month.

Both Lipton and Finlays have issued letters to Kenya’s Agriculture minister, Franklin Mithika Linturi, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), expressing concerns around the appointment.

Responding to the news of Chebochok’s appointment in a statement on X, the KTDA said it has asked “all our tea buyers, stakeholders, and partners to allow us to work with all the concerned players and authorities to resolve concerns raised regarding his nomination”.

According to the group, shareholders of the factory still need to cast a vote to approve Chebochok’s appointment, and that “the process of confirming the directors is yet to be completed”.