Chinese Embassy Condemns Countryman After Viral Assault at Mabati Factory

A Chinese national filmed assaulting a Kenyan worker at a roofing materials factory in Uasin Gishu County has been dismissed, and the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi has condemned his actions as unacceptable.

The video shows the manager striking an employee with roofing sheets inside a warehouse at TCM Mabati Factory. It circulated widely on social media, prompting calls for accountability and concerns about the treatment of Kenyan staff in foreign-owned companies.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Chinese Embassy said it was “extremely disappointed” by the incident and confirmed that the individual’s contract had been terminated, with additional disciplinary steps under review. The embassy noted that while the case should not overshadow broader economic cooperation between the two countries, Chinese nationals working in Kenya must comply with local laws, regulations, and cultural norms.

A second video later appeared in which the assaulted worker said he had forgiven the supervisor and wished to continue working at the factory. He urged that future disagreements be resolved through dialogue. His remarks received mixed reactions, with some welcoming his stance and others questioning whether it reduced the seriousness of the assault.

Kenya’s Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) issued a strong statement condemning the attack as a violation of workers’ rights. Secretary General Francis Atwoli called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to deport the offender, warning that inaction would undermine workers’ confidence in government institutions.