NAIROBI, Kenya — The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi has condemned a viral video showing a Chinese national assaulting a Kenyan worker at a private company, saying the conduct is “unacceptable” and does not reflect the behaviour expected of its citizens abroad.
In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, the Embassy said it was “extremely disappointed” by the confrontation, which has triggered public outrage across social media platforms.
According to the Embassy, the company involved has since terminated the contract of the Chinese employee captured in the clip and is considering further disciplinary action.
“We have noticed a video circulating online showing a Chinese worker at a private company assaulting his Kenyan colleague. We are extremely disappointed to see such an incident occur,” the statement said.
The Embassy noted it routinely advises Chinese citizens working in Kenya to respect local laws, regulations and cultural practices, insisting that the “vast majority” do so.
While describing the altercation as an isolated case, the mission urged against drawing broad conclusions that may jeopardise Kenya-China investment relations.
“We believe this isolated incident should not affect investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies, but it is a reminder to all Chinese citizens in Kenya to uphold the principle of mutual respect,” it added.
The Embassy said it is in communication with relevant authorities as the company continues handling the matter internally.
Incident Sparks COTU Demands for Deportations
The Embassy’s response comes amid growing pressure from the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), which has called for the deportation of two Chinese nationals accused of mistreating Kenyan workers in separate incidents in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and Eldoret.
In letters to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli said the alleged abuses demonstrate “a blatant disregard for the dignity of Kenyan workers.”
Atwoli accused Xiao Jianzhoung, a Chinese investor operating within the EPZ, of imposing harsh and unlawful conditions on employees.
According to the Tailors and Textile Workers Union, workers under his supervision were required to work excessively long hours without overtime pay, had limited access to toilets, and were allegedly forced to sing Chinese songs before, during and after shifts.
“These practices flagrantly violate Kenya’s labour laws and international labour standards,” Atwoli said, adding they have created “an environment of fear, intimidation, and psychological distress.”
In a separate letter to Interior CS Murkomen, COTU referenced the viral video from Eldoret showing a Chinese manager at TCM Mabati Factory assaulting a Kenyan worker.
The union called the incident a gross violation of worker rights and demanded the immediate deportation of the individual involved.
“We will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue foreign employers,” Atwoli said, warning that inaction could erode public trust in government oversight.
COTU is urging the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Labour to intensify inspections and enforcement in enterprises run by foreign nationals to ensure compliance with Kenyan labour standards.
