The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has demanded the swift deportation of a Chinese national captured on video assaulting a Kenyan employee, an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, November 16, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli condemned the incident, accusing the foreign national of grossly violating the rights and dignity of Kenyan workers.
“COTU is deeply concerned by the increasing cases of abuse of Kenyan workers by foreign investors,” the statement read. “We will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders.”
Viral Video Sparks Outcry
A widely circulated video shows the Chinese boss physically attacking a Kenyan employee who, despite repeated provocations, refrains from retaliating.
A voice in the background can be heard urging the worker to fight back, but he remains calm throughout the confrontation.
Although reports indicate that the two later reconciled, many Kenyans online have dismissed the reconciliation as insincere, accusing the employer of intimidation and coercion.
Pattern of Abuse?
COTU also highlighted a separate incident involving another Chinese national allegedly forcing Kenyan staff to sing Chinese songs at their workplace. The union accused the manager—whom they identified by name, passport number, and KRA PIN—of overworking Kenyan employees while offering minimal compensation.
COTU Pushes for Tougher Oversight
The union urged the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour to strengthen monitoring and enforcement within companies managed by foreign nationals.
“We urge the Ministry, together with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to enhance compliance and enforcement measures in all enterprises run by foreign nationals,” the statement added.
County Official Weighs In
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria also condemned the assault, calling on Kenyans to report videos or evidence of foreigners mistreating locals.
He cited a recent case in Diani in which a Dutch national was filmed harassing a police officer, saying such acts show how Kenya has allowed too much leeway to foreign bullies—treatment that Kenyans abroad would never receive.