The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi has condemned an incident captured in a viral video showing a Chinese national assaulting a Kenyan colleague at a private firm, terming the behaviour unacceptable and contrary to the conduct expected of its citizens working abroad.
In a statement, the Embassy expressed “extreme disappointment” over the confrontation, which has drawn widespread public outrage.
According to the mission, the company involved has already terminated the contract of the Chinese employee seen assaulting his colleague and is considering additional disciplinary measures.
“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.
It stressed that Chinese nationals living and working in Kenya are continually reminded to respect the country’s laws, regulations, and cultural norms.
“The vast majority of Chinese citizens in Kenya strictly abide by local laws, regulations, and cultural customs,” the Embassy added, describing the altercation as an isolated case that should not overshadow the broader China–Kenya investment relationship.
However, it acknowledged that the episode serves as a reminder for all Chinese nationals in the country to uphold mutual respect and lawful conduct.
“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 mutual respect and behave in accordance with Kenya’s laws and cultural customs,” the mission stated.
The Embassy said it will continue engaging Kenyan authorities as the company handles the matter internally.
The Embassy’s response comes amid fresh demands by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) for the immediate deportation of two Chinese nationals accused of mistreating Kenyan workers in separate incidents at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and in Eldoret.
In letters to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli described the alleged incidents as a blatant violation of workers’ rights and dignity.
Atwoli singled out Xiao Jianzhoung, an investor operating within the EPZ, accusing him of subjecting workers to harsh conditions, including long hours without overtime pay, restricted access to toilets, and forcing them to sing Chinese songs during work shifts.
“These practices flagrantly violate Kenya’s labour laws and international labour standards, creating an environment of fear and intimidation,” Atwoli wrote.
In a separate letter to Interior CS Murkomen, Atwoli referenced another viral video showing a manager at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret assaulting a Kenyan employee—an incident COTU termed a gross violation of workers’ rights.
“We will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by rogue foreign employers,” Atwoli said, calling for immediate deportation of the individuals implicated.
COTU warned that failure to act risks eroding workers’ trust in government institutions.
The union further urged the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to enhance monitoring, compliance, and enforcement mechanisms in enterprises operated by foreign nationals.
