The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi has strongly condemned a viral video showing a Chinese national assaulting a Kenyan colleague at a private company, describing the behaviour as “unacceptable” and contrary to the conduct expected of Chinese citizens working abroad.
In a statement released on Monday, the Embassy said it was “extremely disappointed” by the confrontation, which has sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans on social media.
“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 Embassy said.
According to the Embassy, the management of the company involved has already terminated the contract of the Chinese employee seen in the recording and is considering additional disciplinary actions.
Embassy: Chinese Citizens Must Respect Kenyan Laws and Culture
The mission reiterated that it consistently instructs Chinese nationals living and working in Kenya to strictly observe the country’s laws, regulations, and cultural norms.
“The Embassy consistently requires Chinese citizens in Kenya to strictly abide by local laws, regulations, and cultural customs, and the vast majority of them do so,” the statement added.
While terming the altercation an isolated incident, the Embassy warned that it should not be used to damage the longstanding investment and commercial cooperation between Kenya and China.
“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 with Kenyan friends,” the mission noted.
The Embassy said it would continue engaging relevant authorities as the company handles the matter internally.
COTU Demands Deportation of Chinese Nationals Accused of Worker Abuse
The Embassy’s statement follows rising pressure from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), which has demanded the immediate deportation of two Chinese nationals accused of mistreating Kenyan workers in separate incidents in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and in Eldoret.
In letters addressed to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli described the incidents as blatant violations of Kenyan workers’ dignity.
Atwoli accused Xiao Jianzhong, a Chinese investor operating within the EPZ, of subjecting employees to harsh and unlawful conditions. According to the Tailors and Textile Workers Union, workers under Xiao’s supervision were forced to work long hours without overtime pay, restricted from accessing toilets, and compelled to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work.
“These practices flagrantly violate Kenya’s labour laws and international labour standards, creating an environment of fear and intimidation that results in psychological and physical distress,” Atwoli wrote.
In another letter to Interior CS Murkomen, the COTU boss raised concerns over a viral video allegedly showing a Chinese manager at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret assaulting a Kenyan worker — the same incident that triggered the Embassy’s condemnation.
“We will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue foreign employers,” Atwoli said, demanding immediate deportation of the individuals involved.
He warned that failure to take action would erode Kenyan workers’ trust in government institutions.
Calls for Stronger Oversight
COTU also urged the Interior Ministry, alongside the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and enforcement measures in businesses operated by foreign nationals.
As public debate intensifies, both the Kenyan government and the Chinese Embassy are facing growing pressure to ensure accountability and protect workers’ rights in multicultural workplaces across the country.
