Chinese man caught on camera assaulting employee fired after public outcry

A Chinese national filmed assaulting a Kenyan employee at the TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret has been dismissed, with the Chinese Embassy in Kenya condemning the incident and promising accountability.

In a statement posted on X, the Embassy expressed disappointment over the viral footage showing the worker physically confronting his Kenyan colleague and confirmed that the matter had already been escalated to the company.

“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 said.

The Embassy added that Chinese nationals living in Kenya are required to adhere to local laws, regulations and cultural practices, noting that most do so, urging Kenyans not to let the incident strain relations between the two countries.

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…

— Chinese Embassy in Kenya (@ChineseEmbKenya) November 16, 2025

The Embassy’s remarks came shortly after the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) condemned the attack and demanded the deportation of the factory manager.

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli also wrote to the Ministries of Interior and Labour, terming the incident a gross violation of workers’ rights and calling for tighter monitoring of foreign-run businesses.

Meanwhile, the Kenyan worker who was assaulted said he had forgiven his supervisor. In a follow-up video shared online, he was seen shaking hands with the Chinese manager, insisting he wished to keep his job.

“Nimemsamehea mimi sina shida. Nimeachana nayo kwa sababu nataka kuendelea kufanya kazi hapa,” he said.

The Embassy’s reaction has since attracted mixed responses from Kenyans online.

Emmanuel Motelin wrote, “The Chinese Embassy condemning this is acknowledged. Never should such people be allowed to continue working, as it undermines credibility and can put their own citizens at risk. It’s important that we all exercise restraint. Employees should be treated as human beings.”

Another user, Kofi, said, “The trend is sadly widespread across Africa. I hope the Chinese government addresses the conduct of its overseas workers—not just in terms of host country laws, but in upholding dignity and respect for all people. Development must never come at the cost of humanity. Imagine those incidents not recorded.”