Incident Sparks National Outrage

A Chinese supervisor at a factory in Eldoret has been dismissed from his position following the emergence of a viral video on Saturday, November 15, 2025, showing him physically assaulting a Kenyan employee. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, depicts the manager of TCM Mabati Factory repeatedly kicking and striking the worker. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from the public and labour organizations, placing a renewed spotlight on the treatment of Kenyan workers by some foreign employers.

Company and Embassy Respond Swiftly

In response to the public outcry, TCM Roofing Mabati Suppliers announced the termination of the manager's contract. The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi also issued a statement on Sunday, November 16, 2025, condemning the incident. The embassy expressed its disappointment and confirmed that the company had fired the employee, identified in some reports as Xiao Jianzhong, and was considering further disciplinary measures. "We are extremely disappointed to see such an incident occur," the embassy stated, urging Chinese citizens in Kenya to abide by local laws and respect Kenyan culture. The statement emphasized that this was an isolated incident and should not harm the broader investment relationship between the two countries.

Trade Union Demands Deportation

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has taken a firm stance, demanding the immediate deportation of the Chinese national. In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior & National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, dated November 15, 2025, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli described the assault as a "gross violation of the rights and dignity" of a Kenyan worker. Mr. Atwoli stated that COTU would not "stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders." The union warned that anything less than deportation would be a betrayal of the trust Kenyan workers have in the government. COTU also highlighted a recent, separate case involving another Chinese investor at an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) who allegedly forced workers to sing Chinese songs, indicating a worrying pattern of mistreatment.

A Controversial Reconciliation

In an unexpected development, a subsequent video appeared showing the assaulted worker alongside his manager, stating that he had forgiven him. "I have forgiven him, and I still want to work here," the employee said. This reconciliation has been met with skepticism from the public, with many speculating that the worker may have been coerced into forgiving his boss to protect his livelihood. The handshake and statement have done little to quell the demands for legal action and stronger oversight of foreign-owned businesses.

Echoes of Past Abuses

This incident recalls a similar case in February 2020, where a Chinese chef, Deng Hailan, was filmed caning a Kenyan waiter, Simon Oseko, at the Chez Wou Restaurant in Nairobi's Kileleshwa area. That incident also led to public outrage, the arrest of four Chinese nationals, and their eventual deportation by order of the court. The victim in the 2020 case was later awarded KSh 3.07 million in damages by the Employment and Labour Relations Court for the violation of his rights. These repeated events have intensified calls for the Kenyan government to enforce stricter labour laws and ensure the protection of its citizens from abuse by foreign nationals.