A Chinese national captured on video assaulting a Kenyan worker at TCM Mabati Factory in Uasin Gishu County has been sacked, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya confirmed.
The incident, which occurred inside the factory warehouse, shows the manager hitting the worker with roofing materials. The video quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
In a statement on Monday, the Chinese Embassy expressed disappointment over the incident and said the company had immediately terminated the manager’s contract. The embassy also stated that further disciplinary measures might be considered.
“We are extremely disappointed to see such an incident occur. As we are informed, the company’s management has immediately terminated the Chinese worker’s contract and will consider further disciplinary action,” the embassy said. It further urged Chinese nationals in Kenya to respect local laws, regulations, and cultural norms.
The embassy emphasized that the incident is isolated and should not affect ongoing investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies.
The assault drew condemnation from Kenya’s Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), which called for the deportation of the Chinese manager. Union Secretary General Francis Atwoli addressed a statement to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, describing the assault as a gross violation of the rights and dignity of Kenyan workers.
COTU insisted that failing to deport the manager would betray the trust Kenyan workers have placed in the government.
Interestingly, in a separate video following the incident, the assaulted worker appeared to forgive the manager. “I have forgiven him, and I still want to work here. If there is a problem next time, we will talk in the office, and I will accept my mistake, but I have forgiven him,” he said.
The incident highlights the need for workplace respect and proper supervision, especially in multinational operations. Both employers and foreign employees are reminded to uphold ethical behavior and adhere to Kenyan labor laws.
