COTU Demands Immediate Deportation of Chinese Worker Filmed Assaulting Kenyan Staff in Eldoret

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya) COTU (K), has called for the swift deportation of a Chinese national captured on video assaulting a Kenyan worker at the TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret.

In a strongly-worded letter dated 15th November 2025 and addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU said it was “deeply concerned” by the recurring cases of Kenyan workers being abused by foreign nationals.

The union said the viral video, which shows the Chinese individual—allegedly a manager at the factory—physically assaulting a Kenyan worker under his supervision, represents a “gross violation of the rights and dignity” of local employees.

“As COTU (K), we are appalled by this incident, which is a gross violation of the rights and dignity of the affected,” the union said in its statement. “As the voice and defender of Kenyan workers, we will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders.”

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has demanded the “immediate deportation” of the individual filmed assaulting the worker, warning that failure to act would amount to a betrayal of the trust Kenyan workers have placed in government. The ministry was urged to collaborate with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and enforcement measures for enterprises run by foreign nationals.

This is the second time in days that the union has raised an alarm over similar mistreatment. In a previous letter addressed to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi last week, COTU had protested another incident involving a Chinese investor, Mr. Xiao Jianzhong,  at the Export Processing Zone. The union accused the individual of forcing Kenyan workers to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work, while also verbally abusing the General Secretary of the Tailors and Textile Workers Union.

In that letter, COTU had called upon the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to initiate the investor’s immediate deportation in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Kenyan Immigration Act and Labour Laws. It also requested that the matter be communicated to the relevant Chinese diplomatic mission to ensure there is no repeat of such conduct.

Amid the public outcry, the management of TCM Roofing Mabati Suppliers issued its own statement distancing the company from claims that the Chinese worker in the Eldoret incident was an investor. The company clarified that the individual was “just a worker and not the investor.” TCM condemned the assault, reaffirming that all individuals on their premises “deserve respect and safety” regardless of nationality, race, or background.

The company confirmed that the worker’s employment contract had been terminated immediately and that arrangements were underway for his return to China as soon as possible, despite reconciliation efforts following the incident. TCM reiterated its commitment to integrity, employee welfare, and maintaining a peaceful and professional work environment.

COTU has maintained its readiness to provide further details or witness accounts to aid the Ministry’s action as it pushes for stricter protections for Kenyan workers and tougher oversight of foreign-run enterprises.