The incident involving a Chinese manager and a Kenyan worker has continued to attract strong reactions across the country, especially after the video showing the assault spread widely online.
The footage, recorded inside what appears to be a warehouse in a Mabati factory, shows the foreign manager hitting a Kenyan employee with roofing materials.
The disturbing scene caused widespread anger, with many Kenyans demanding firm action from authorities and the employer.
The factory involved has been identified as TCM Mabati Factory in Uasin Gishu County, where the Chinese national worked as a manager.
After public pressure and growing debate, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya released a statement confirming that the manager had been sacked.
According to the embassy, they were disappointed by the behaviour displayed in the video and stressed that all Chinese nationals living or working in Kenya must respect the country’s laws, customs, and cultural practices.
The embassy added that the company terminated the manager’s contract immediately and was considering further disciplinary measures.
The embassy’s statement also mentioned that while the incident was serious, it should not harm the broader relationship between Chinese and Kenyan businesses.
They insisted that such acts must not be repeated and urged every Chinese citizen in Kenya to uphold mutual respect and follow regulations while interacting with Kenyan colleagues and communities.
Before the embassy responded, the Central Organization of Trade Unions had already issued a firm position on the matter. COTU condemned the assault and demanded that the manager be deported.
According to COTU, the manager had authority over the assaulted worker, making the incident even more unacceptable.
In a message directed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli stated that the assault was a violation of the worker’s rights and dignity.
He insisted that Kenyans must not be mistreated by foreigners in their own country, and anything short of deportation would betray the trust workers have in the ministry responsible for their protection.
While calls for deportation grew online, another video emerged showing the assaulted worker and the Chinese manager trying to settle the matter.
In the clip, the worker expressed forgiveness, saying he wished to continue working at the factory and that future disagreements should be addressed in the office.
He stated that he had forgiven his supervisor and would handle any issues calmly next time.
Even with the worker’s message of forgiveness, many Kenyans have continued to demand stricter action, arguing that assault in the workplace cannot be solved through informal reconciliation.
The incident has opened a wider conversation about the treatment of Kenyan workers in foreign-owned companies and the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws to ensure dignity and safety in all workplaces.
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