COTU Demands Deportation Of Chinese National Filmed Assaulting Kenyan Worker

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU-K), has called for the immediate deportation of a Chinese national who was captured on video physically assaulting a Kenyan employee, arguing that the incident represents a “gross violation of rights and dignity.”

In a statement released on Sunday, November 16, COTU-K condemned the rising trend of abuse by foreign investors and urged authorities to launch a wide-scale crackdown on rogue expatriate workers who misuse their authority.

“COTU is deeply concerned by the prevalent cases of abuse of Kenyan workers by foreign investors,” the union stated. “We will not stand and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders.”

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Viral Assault and Calls for Action

The incident came to light through a viral video showing the Chinese national physically attacking the Kenyan employee. Despite the consistent physical provocation, the Kenyan worker displayed significant restraint, prompting a voice in the background to urge him to retaliate.

Although reports later surfaced that the worker and the Chinese national had reached a private reconciliation, online users dismissed the settlement, reading malice into the move.

COTU flagged another separate, non-physical incident where a Chinese manager was seen forcing Kenyan subordinates to sing native Chinese songs while at work. For this manager, the union publicly listed his name, passport number, and KRA PIN, accusing him of subjecting Kenyan workers to excessively long hours for minimal pay.

Demands for Enforcement and Accountability

Beyond demanding the deportation of the offending national, COTU called on the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, to “strengthen monitoring, compliance and enforcement measures” relating to enterprises run by foreign nationals.

The incident drew sharp political condemnation, with Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, noting that Kenya has granted too much latitude to foreign bullies. He cited a recent case involving a Dutch national harassing a police officer in Diani and lamented that Kenyan citizens are rarely afforded such leeway abroad.