The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has called for the immediate deportation of two Chinese nationals accused of mistreating Kenyan workers in separate incidents at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and in Eldoret.
In letters addressed to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli described the alleged incidents as a blatant disregard for the dignity of Kenyan workers.
In his letter to Mudavadi, Atwoli singled out Xiao Jianzhoung, a Chinese investor operating in the EPZ, alleging that he subjected Kenyan employees to harsh and unlawful working conditions.
According to the Tailors and Textile Workers Union, workers under Xiao’s supervision were reportedly forced to work long hours without overtime pay, had restricted access to toilets, and were compelled to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work.
“These practices,” Atwoli wrote, “flagrantly violate Kenya’s labour laws and international labour standards, creating an environment of fear and intimidation that results in psychological and physical distress.”
The federation also raised concerns over an incident in which Xiao allegedly verbally abused the General Secretary of the Tailors and Textile Workers Union, who also serves as COTU’s Chairman General.
Atwoli described the act as a serious affront not only to the individual but also to the Kenyan labour movement as a whole.
In addition to urging Mudavadi to commence deportation proceedings against Xiao, Atwoli called on the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to take swift action against individuals who undermine lawful engagement and mutual respect within Kenyan workplaces.
In a separate letter to Interior CS Murkomen, Atwoli drew attention to a viral video reportedly showing another Chinese national, a manager at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret, assaulting a Kenyan worker.
COTU described the incident as a gross violation of the rights and dignity of the affected employee.
“We will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue foreign employers,” Atwoli said, calling for the immediate deportation of the individual captured in the video.
He warned that failure to act would undermine the trust Kenyan workers have placed in government institutions.
COTU further urged the Interior Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and enforcement in enterprises operated by foreign nationals.
The union stated that it is ready to provide additional details and witness accounts to support government action.
The letters follow heightened public attention after the emergence of the viral video, which has circulated widely on social media.
COTU’s demands highlight growing concerns over worker protection, particularly in sectors employing foreign nationals.
Atwoli’s intervention underscores the federation’s commitment to safeguarding labor rights and ensuring that workplaces adhere to both national labor laws and international standards.
