The Government of Kenya has announced that it is taking action against a Chinese national filmed assaulting a Kenyan worker at a private company in Nairobi.
The incident, captured in a video widely shared online, has drawn public outrage and renewed debate over the conduct of foreign nationals working in the country.
In a statement released on Monday, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said relevant authorities had begun handling the matter, noting that the assault had caused unfortunate and distressing reactions nationwide.
The development reinforces Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi’s longstanding message that all individuals living or working outside their home countries—Kenyans abroad and expatriates in Kenya—must respect local laws, cultures, and norms.
Mudavadi has repeatedly stressed that compliance with host-country rules is a universal expectation.
“When in another country, abide by their laws, respect their people, and understand their culture,” he has frequently said, underscoring that Kenya expects the same courtesy from foreigners working within its borders.
The latest incident, the statement noted, underscores the importance of this principle.
The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi also issued a firm response condemning the assault and reaffirming its position that Chinese nationals must adhere to Kenyan laws.
The Embassy said it was extremely disappointed by the conduct displayed in the video and confirmed that the company involved had already terminated the worker’s contract and was considering further disciplinary measures.
The Embassy added that while the incident was isolated, it serves as a reminder to all Chinese citizens in Kenya to uphold mutual respect and comply fully with local regulations.
It further emphasized that such occurrences should not undermine cooperation between Kenyan and Chinese businesses.
The government reiterated that Kenya welcomes investors, skilled professionals, and development partners from around the world but maintains that all foreign nationals must operate within the confines of Kenyan law and respect the country’s cultural values.
According to the statement, the deportation of the individual involved, corporate action taken by the employer, and the diplomatic engagement that followed collectively demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and maintaining a respectful and secure working environment.
The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary affirmed that the government remains steadfast in ensuring accountability and protecting Kenyan citizens from any form of mistreatment.
