A Chinese national who was captured on video assaulting a Kenyan colleague has been dismissed from his job, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya confirmed. The embassy expressed deep disappointment over the incident and said the company may take additional disciplinary measures.
The assault reportedly occurred at a private company where the Chinese worker was employed. “As we are informed, the company’s management has immediately terminated the Chinese worker’s contract and will consider further disciplinary action,” the embassy stated, highlighting the swift response by the employer.
While condemning the act, the embassy emphasized that the vast majority of Chinese citizens in Kenya respect local laws and customs.
“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 read.
The embassy also reassured that the incident should not affect ongoing business and investment ties between Kenyan and Chinese companies.
“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 and behave in accordance with the laws, regulations, and cultural customs of Kenya,” the Embassy added.
The video quickly went viral, sparking discussions about workplace conduct and cross-cultural relations. Social media users called for prompt action to ensure such behavior is not tolerated, while authorities and company management have pledged to monitor the situation closely.
The company and relevant authorities are continuing their investigations, with the embassy reiterating the importance of legal compliance and professional conduct. The dismissed employee remains under review as the company considers further action.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) had called for the immediate deportation of two Chinese nationals accused of labour exploitation, assault, and violating the rights of Kenyan workers.
In separate letters addressed to Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU (K) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli issued strong protests over what the union terms rogue behaviour by foreign investors operating in the country.
“These practices flagrantly violate Kenya’s labour laws and international labour standards,” Atwoli said.
In the first letter, Atwoli accused a Chinese national, Xiao Jianzhoung—identified by passport and Kenya Revenue Authority credentials—of subjecting employees at his Export Processing Zone (EPZ) company to inhumane and illegal working conditions.
According to reports from the Tailors and Textile Workers Union, the workers were allegedly forced to work excessively long hours without overtime pay, denied or restricted access to toilets, and compelled to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work.
In the second letter, addressed to Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Atwoli raised alarm over a viral video showing another Chinese national—allegedly a manager at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret—assaulting a Kenyan worker.
“We will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders,” Atwoli warned.
