Chinese National Assaults Kenyan Employee In Viral Video

The Chinese Embassy in Kenya has said a Chinese worker, shown in a viral video assaulting a Kenyan national, has been fired by his employer, with further disciplinary action under consideration.

The incident reportedly took place at a TCM Mabati factory in Uasin Gishu County, where the Chinese national works as a manager.

In the video, circulating widely on social media, the man is seen hitting a Kenyan worker with roofing materials inside what appears to be a warehouse.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 16 November, the embassy condemned the actions and urged all Chinese nationals in Kenya to abide by local laws. The statement reads:

“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.

“As we are informed, the company’s management has immediately terminated the Chinese worker’s contract and will consider further disciplinary action.

“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.

“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.”

There have been multiple reports of Chinese nationals and companies being accused of mistreating local workers across Africa, including in Zimbabwe.

In January 2025, a confrontation at a Chinese-owned mining company in Gweru sparked outrage after allegations emerged of the violent treatment of local workers.

The National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (NMWUZ) petitioned the Chinese ambassador, citing what they described as “slavery-like conditions” in Chinese-run mines.

Complaints included underpayment, unsafe working environments, lack of protective gear, and physical abuse.

Similar allegations have been reported in Zambia, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Chinese mining and construction companies have been accused of paying poverty wages and ignoring local labour laws.