Michael Kiprono
Nairobi.
The government has vowed to hold a Chinese national accountable after a video showing him violently assaulting a local employee at a manufacturing firm in Eldoret went viral. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized that expatriates must fully comply with Kenyan laws.
The 42-second clip, widely circulated over the weekend, shows Xiao Jianzhong, a senior manager at TCM Roofing Mabati Supplies, repeatedly striking and shoving a Kenyan worker inside a warehouse.
The incident, reportedly at the Chinese-owned factory in Uasin Gishu County, has sparked national outrage, with labor unions calling for Xiao’s immediate deportation.
Speaking publicly, Mudavadi highlighted the seriousness of the assault and stressed that foreign investors must respect workers’ rights.
“This incident reinforces the imperative for all expatriates operating in Kenya to uphold our laws and treat local employees with dignity,” he said. His comments come amid increased scrutiny of labor practices at foreign-owned firms, particularly Chinese enterprises.
The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi condemned the attack and confirmed that TCM Roofing had terminated Xiao’s contract.
“The embassy has been informed that the company has taken immediate disciplinary action, including dismissal, and arrangements are underway for his repatriation to China,” a spokesperson said.
Company officials noted that although the Kenyan victim reportedly forgave Xiao, the firm proceeded with dismissal to comply with local regulations.
Kenya’s largest labor federation, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), condemned the assault, calling it indicative of broader mistreatment of Kenyan workers by unscrupulous foreign investors.
Secretary-General Francis Atwoli wrote to Mudavadi urging Xiao’s deportation and a thorough investigation into systemic abuses at the factory. “We demand the immediate deportation of this Chinese national… and justice for all Kenyan workers subjected to such brutality,” Atwoli stated.
Kenyan authorities are coordinating with immigration officials to expedite Xiao’s removal. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has yet to confirm potential charges, though sources indicate a formal investigation into workplace safety violations is underway.
While Chinese firms contribute significantly to job creation, allegations of labor rights abuses and cultural insensitivity persist.
Mudavadi’s intervention signals the government’s determination to protect citizens while maintaining economic partnerships, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.