Chinese Manager Faces Deportation After Viral Assault Video
A Chinese supervisor at TCM Mabati in Eldoret is facing deportation after a viral video captured him physically attacking a Kenyan worker, sparking widespread public outrage.
The company fired the supervisor shortly after the footage spread online, and authorities have since begun processing his removal from the country.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) strongly condemned the assault, calling it part of a worrying pattern of mistreatment in some foreign-run companies. The union urged the Ministries of Labour and Interior to intensify inspections and enforce workplace regulations more strictly.
The viral clip shows the supervisor throwing several punches at the Kenyan worker. Despite the aggression and pressure from a background voice urging him to fight back, the worker remained calm and chose not to retaliate. Many Kenyans praised his restraint, saying the incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger worker protections.
A follow-up video later showed the two men reconciling, but public reaction remained firm. Many Kenyans argued that an apology could not erase the seriousness of the assault and insisted that legal consequences must still follow.
The Chinese Embassy in Kenya issued a statement expressing regret over the incident. It confirmed the supervisor’s dismissal and pledged cooperation with ongoing investigations. The embassy also reminded Chinese nationals working in Kenya to respect local laws and culture, noting that most Chinese citizens in the country maintain positive relations with local communities.
COTU also referenced an earlier case involving another Chinese manager accused of forcing Kenyan employees to sing Chinese songs, while subjecting them to long hours and low pay. The union said such repeated incidents underscore the need for tighter oversight of foreign-managed enterprises.
Government officials have echoed this call, insisting that Kenya will not tolerate any form of abuse against its workers.
