Outrage in Kenya after video of Chinese National assaulting local worker went viral

A video circulating widely on social media since Saturday has triggered national outrage in Kenya after it showed a Chinese national harassing and physically assaulting a Kenyan employee at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret. In the clip, the Chinese worker is seen repeatedly striking the Kenyan employee during what appeared to be a workplace dispute. The footage has fueled intense debate about the treatment of Kenyan workers by some foreign employers operating in the country.

As public anger mounted online, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) — COTU — issued a letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen calling for immediate government intervention. In the statement, the union condemned what it described as “prevalent cases of abuse of Kenyan workers by foreign investors,” referencing the viral incident as part of a larger pattern.

“COTU (K) is deeply concerned by the prevalent cases of abuse of Kenyan workers by foreign investors,” the union said. “We have taken note of a disturbing viral video circulating on social media in which a Chinese national, allegedly a manager at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret, is clearly seen assaulting a Kenyan worker under his supervision.”

The statement went on to describe the incident as a “gross violation of the rights and dignity” of Kenyan workers and urged the government to take firm action. “As the voice and defender of Kenyan workers, we will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders. COTU (K) therefore demands the immediate deportation of the Chinese national.”

Prof. Makau Mutua, Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs to President William Ruto, also condemned the incident. In post on X, Mutua called the assault unacceptable and symptomatic of a recurring problem. “The most effective way to deal with foreign-owned companies whose foreign staff abuse Kenyan workers is to close the company down and deport its entire foreign staff,” Mutua wrote. “The racist, evil, and primitive abuse I saw on tape has no other effective cure. This episode isn’t a one-off.”

Facing mounting criticism, TCM Roofing Mabati Suppliers released an official statement acknowledging the incident and distancing the company from the actions of the Chinese worker. The management described the altercation as an internal disagreement between two employees that escalated into physical assault.

“As a company, we strongly condemn any form of violence, misconduct, or disrespect within our work environment,” the company said. “It is important to clarify that the person involved is just a worker and not the investor.”

The company reported that it had already terminated the worker’s contract and was arranging for him to be sent back to China, noting that this decision stood “despite the reconciliation that happened after the incident.”

“TCM Roofing Mabati Suppliers remains committed to integrity, employee welfare, and maintaining a peaceful and professional work environment,” the statement added.

The Chinese Embassy in Kenya issued a statement expressing its “disappointment” over the incident. “We are extremely disappointed to see such an incident occur,” the embassy stated. It stressed that “the vast majority [of Chinese citizens] abide by local laws, regulations, and cultural customs,” and described the event as an isolated case. “We believe this incident should not affect investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies,” the statement continued. However, “it is a reminder to all Chinese citizens in Kenya to uphold the principle of mutual respect with Kenyan friends and behave in accordance to the laws, regulations, and cultural customs of Kenya.”

The viral video has ignited renewed scrutiny on labor practices within foreign-owned and foreign-staffed companies in Kenya. While authorities have not yet issued an official response, public expectations for a decisive government reaction continue to grow, with many Kenyans calling for clearer protections and stronger enforcement in workplaces across the country.