The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) has demanded the immediate deportation of a Chinese national seen in a viral video assaulting a Kenyan worker. In the undated clip, which has triggered widespread public outrage, the Kenyan employee is seen trying to defend himself as the foreign national kicks and slaps him.
According to COTU, the man in question is a manager at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret County, and the assaulted worker was under his supervision. In a statement written to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the workers’ union condemned the act, terming it a gross violation of the rights and dignity of Kenyan workers.
COTU also urged CS Murkomen, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and enforcement in businesses run by foreign nationals to ensure the safety and fair treatment of Kenyan workers. Surprisingly, the assaulted worker later said he had forgiven his supervisor, noting that they had agreed to solve similar disputes amicably in the future.
This incident comes shortly after COTU raised similar concerns over another Chinese investor at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) who allegedly forced Kenyan workers to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work. The investor was also accused of verbally abusing the General Secretary of the Tailors and Textile Workers Union. COTU has reiterated that it will not tolerate any form of abuse or discrimination against Kenyan workers, especially by foreign employers operating within the country.
