A Chinese employee at the TCM Mabati factory in Eldoret has been dismissed and is now being processed for deportation, following the widespread circulation of a video showing him physically assaulting a Kenyan coworker.

The incident, which ignited strong criticism across Kenya, has led to decisive action from both the company and authorities, even after the two individuals involved reportedly reconciled.

The viral footage prompted the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) to formally demand the immediate removal of the Chinese national from the country.

In a statement issued on November 16, 2025, the labor union expressed strong condemnation over the manager’s actions, describing the assault as a severe violation of the dignity and rights of Kenyan workers.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya released a communique expressing deep disappointment over the event. The embassy confirmed that the company had terminated the employment contract of the individual involved and was considering further disciplinary measures.

“We are extremely disappointed to see such an incident occur. As we are informed, the company’s management has immediately terminated the Chinese worker’s contract and will consider further disciplinary action,” read part of a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.

The embassy also reiterated its longstanding position that all Chinese citizens residing in Kenya must follow local laws and cultural customs and emphasized that the overwhelming majority do so responsibly.

“The Embassy consistently requires Chinese citizens in Kenya to strictly abide by local laws, regulations, and cultural customs, and the vast majority of them do so,” the statement added.

The embassy further described the event as an isolated occurrence that should not harm the productive investment partnership between Chinese and Kenyan enterprises.

Still, it acknowledged the situation as a sobering reminder for all Chinese nationals in Kenya to uphold mutual respect and adhere to Kenyan norms and regulations.

Despite a subsequent video showing the Kenyan worker forgiving his former supervisor and referring to the physical attack as a minor mistake, public pressure and institutional demands for accountability have continued.

Meanwhile, the planned deportation underscores the seriousness with which Kenyan institutions are treating the matter, signaling that such conduct will not be tolerated, regardless of subsequent reconciliations.