The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi has condemned an incident captured on video showing a Chinese national, Xiao Jianzhong, assaulting a Kenyan colleague at a private company in Eldoret.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the Chinese Embassy expressed extreme disappointment over the assault and confirmed that the company had terminated Xiao Jianzhong’s contract immediately.
The embassy stated that it would consider further disciplinary action and reminded Chinese citizens in Kenya to strictly adhere to local laws, regulations, and cultural customs.
“As we are informed, the company’s management has immediately terminated the Chinese worker’s contract and will consider further disciplinary action.”
Chinese Embassy Responds
The footage, which went viral on social media, has sparked outrage and renewed debate over labor practices in foreign-owned enterprises operating in Kenya.
The video shows the Chinese supervisor repeatedly striking the Kenyan worker with an iron sheet as other employees look on.
The attack occurred at TCM Mabati Factory, according to local reports.
The embassy stressed that the incident was isolated and should not affect investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies.
It urged all Chinese nationals in Kenya to maintain mutual respect and comply with Kenyan laws.
Legal and Labour Implications
Under Kenyan law, assault occasioning actual bodily harm carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
For foreign nationals, conviction can lead to deportation and revocation of work permits. Authorities are expected to investigate the matter under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has demanded the immediate deportation of Xiao Jianzhong, as well as ensuring that he faces the consequences.
COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli described the attack as a gross violation of the rights and dignity of Kenyan workers and called on the government to guarantee the safety of employees in foreign-owned firms.
Atwoli also urged the Interior Ministry to probe other cases of abuse, citing reports of Chinese investors imposing harsh conditions and cultural practices on Kenyan workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZs)
Worker Forgives Xiao
In a surprising turn, the assaulted worker later appeared in a second video stating that he had forgiven his boss and wished to continue working at the factory.
“I have forgiven him, and I do not have a problem with him anymore,” he said, adding that future disputes should be resolved peacefully.
The reconciliation has divided public opinion, with critics arguing that economic vulnerability likely influenced the worker’s decision, while others view it as a gesture of goodwill.
Foreign Investments and Kenya’s Labour Sector
In recent years, Kenya has established itself as a hub for foreign investment, attracting billions of dollars in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology projects.
China remains the largest investor, financing major developments such as the Standard Gauge Railway and several industrial parks.
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These investments have created thousands of jobs, but they also expose gaps in labour regulation and enforcement.
Reports of poor working conditions, forced cultural practices, and physical abuse in some foreign-owned firms have become even more frequent.
While Kenya’s Employment Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act provide strong protections, enforcement is inconsistent, especially in remote industrial zones.
The country’s heavy reliance on foreign capital has been cited as the reason why Kenya has limited its leverage in enforcing compliance, as policymakers fear alienating investors.
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