Four managers of two multinationals went into hiding following an exposé by the BBC on sexual harassment allegations on tea farms in Kericho.
Detectives, who were privy to the matter, disclosed to the press that the managers were yet to be summoned by the police as the female victims were yet to record statements.
The detectives added that the statements were vital for the police to proceed with the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
"This matter is being handled by the CID, but none of the victims have come forward so far to record statements which would be used against the suspects in the course of the investigations, arrests and prosecution,” a Kericho-based police officer told Nation.
The four managers were suspended by the firms until further notice pending the conclusion of the investigations.
Workers at the Kericho-based tea farm also revealed that the majority were yet to be interviewed by the police over the allegations.
"We are not aware of any statements that have been taken from the victims or colleagues," a worker at the Kericho tea farm stated.
Pressure has continued to mount on the Kenyan government to take action on the issue, with the BBC exposé gaining international attention.
On Tuesday, February 21, Kericho Women Representative Beatrice Kemei and Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi demanded more action to be taken against the perpetrators of the crimes meted on female tea pickers as captured by the investigative piece.
“Today I have been reminded that slavery still exists in the country today I stand dejected as this slavery has been going on under our noses as leaders,” Elachi stated.
The calls for action led to the firing of two contractors, who were featured in the exposé seeking sexual favours from female job seekers and workers.
The 49-minute piece of the BBC’s Africa Eye documentary featured chilling accounts of the sexual exploitation of women working at tea firms.
Close to 70 women came out in public to detail how they were sexually exploited to secure their jobs at the firms.
