Chinese Embassy Fires Man Caught on Camera Assaulting Kenyan Worker
The Chinese Embassy in Kenya has confirmed that a Chinese national filmed assaulting a Kenyan colleague at a private firm has been dismissed from his job, describing the incident as “extremely disappointing” and urging that the matter should not damage wider relations between the two nations.
The Embassy issued a detailed statement on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after a video of the assault went viral on social media, prompting widespread public outrage and calls for tougher oversight of foreign workers.
“We have noticed a video circulating online showing a Chinese worker at a private company assaulting his Kenyan colleague. We are extremely disappointed to see such an incident occur,” the Embassy said, adding that it regretted the confrontation and condemned the behaviour.
According to officials, the company involved acted immediately. “As we are informed, the company’s management has immediately terminated the Chinese worker’s contract and will consider further disciplinary action,” the statement continued.
Embassy Urges Respect for Local Laws
The Embassy stressed that Chinese nationals living and working in Kenya are expected to uphold strict legal and cultural standards.
“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,” it said.
It also cautioned against using the incident to cast broader aspersions on Chinese investment in the country. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the assault, it insisted the behaviour should be viewed as an isolated case.
“We believe this isolated incident should not affect investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies,” the Embassy noted, calling for continued goodwill and partnership.
However, the mission added that the episode should serve as a warning to all foreign workers in Kenya. “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 statement said.
Public Outcry and Calls for Action
The footage has triggered heated debate across Kenyan social media platforms, with many users demanding stronger protection for Kenyan workers and stricter scrutiny of expatriates in local industries.
Among those reacting strongly was Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, who called for immediate government intervention.
“COTU (K) demands the immediate deportation of the Chinese national captured on video assaulting a Kenyan worker at TCM Mabati Factory,” Atwoli said in a statement.
He also accused some foreign investors of mistreating Kenyan employees and urged authorities to take decisive action. “We also call upon you to deport other rogue Chinese investors, including those running some entities in the EPZ, who force Kenyans to sing Chinese songs,” he claimed.
Atwoli insisted that the government must ensure the “dignity of Kenyans working in various locally based foreign investments,” warning that tolerance for mistreatment had reached its limit.
Government Response Expected
The incident has renewed scrutiny of labour practices in foreign-funded enterprises operating in Kenya, a country that hosts hundreds of Chinese businesses involved in construction, manufacturing, logistics, and technology.
While authorities have yet to issue a formal response, pressure is mounting for tighter enforcement of labour laws and stronger mechanisms to hold foreign employers accountable.
The sacking of the employee marks the first major step in addressing the incident, but the wider debate over foreign investment, workers’ rights, and cultural sensitivity is likely to continue in the coming days.
Chinese Embassy Fires Man Caught on Camera Assaulting Kenyan Worker
