The viral video of a Chinese national assaulting a Kenyan worker inside a Mabati factory has ignited strong reactions across the country and pushed both local and international authorities to respond with urgency. The incident, recorded inside what appears to be a warehouse, shows the man striking the Kenyan employee with roofing materials. The footage was reportedly captured at the TCM Mabati Factory in Uasin Gishu County, where the assailant served as a manager.
The Chinese Embassy in Kenya later confirmed that the man had been dismissed from his job. In a statement issued on Monday, the embassy strongly criticized the assault and emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable. “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,” said the Chinese embassy in Kenya.
The embassy also urged Chinese nationals living in Kenya to respect local norms. “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 to the laws, regulations, and cultural customs of Kenya.”
Why Did the Incident Spark National Uproar?
The video spread quickly across social media, fueling public outrage and prompting immediate reactions from workers’ unions. The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) condemned the assault and demanded stern action. According to COTU, the Chinese national was supervising the Kenyan worker at the Eldoret-based factory when the confrontation occurred.
In a statement directed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli described the incident as a serious violation of the dignity and rights of Kenyan workers. He insisted that the matter must not be taken lightly, calling for the worker’s deportation. Atwoli added that “anything less would be a betrayal of the trust Kenyan workers have placed in your Ministry.”
What Happened After the Video Went Viral?
As calls for punishment intensified, a separate video later surfaced featuring the assaulted worker. In the clip, he appears alongside the Chinese national and expresses forgiveness over the ordeal. “I have forgiven him, and I still want to work here. If there is a problem next time we will talk in the office and I will accept my mistake, but I have forgiven him,” he said.
His message sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans appreciating his calmness while others questioned whether the apology video was made under pressure. Still, the embassy’s decision to confirm the worker’s dismissal signaled an effort to de-escalate tensions and reinforce accountability.
The entire incident has opened a broader public debate on workplace safety, treatment of Kenyan employees in foreign-run companies, and the need for strict oversight within industrial spaces. It also highlights the importance of maintaining mutual respect in multicultural work environments, especially in regions with growing international investment.
By Yockshard Enyendi