A Chinese national who was captured in a viral video while assaulting a Kenyan staff member was deported from Nairobi on Wednesday.
Officials said the Chinese was forced to leave the country as part of efforts to ensure foreigners respect Kenyan laws.
Shi Zhending departed aboard China Southern Airlines flight number 6044 for Changsha.
The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi had confirmed the dismissal of the national who was captured in a viral video while assaulting a Kenyan staff member.
It termed the incident isolated.
The two were working at a private company in Eldoret before the vicious attack happened.
The reason for the attack by the Chinese national was not immediately known.
The confrontation was caught on camera as the Chinese national picked up an iron sheet from a pile that lay on the floor and used it to assault the helpless worker, who raised his hands as if to plead for mercy without retaliating.
Kenyans weighed in online, terming the incident a clear case of a toxic employee-employer relationship.
In an undated video that went viral on social media platforms, sparking mass uproar, the man is seen hitting the Kenyan worker with roofing materials, inside what seems like a warehouse.
The video is said to have been captured at the TCM Mabati Factory in Uasin Gishu County, where the perpetrator works as a manager.
The Chinese embassy in Kenya condemned the actions and urged all its nationals to abide by Kenyan laws.
“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,” said the Chinese embassy in Kenya.
“We believe this isolated incident should not affect investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies, but it is a reminder to all Chinese citizens in Kenya to uphold the principle of mutual respect with Kenyan friends and behave in accordance with the laws, regulations, and cultural customs of Kenya.”
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) had rebuked the actions, calling for the deportation of the Chinese national.
Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the incident was a gross violation of the rights and dignity of the affected and will not allow the assault of Kenyan workers by foreigners.
It called for an immediate deportation of the Chinese worker and “anything less would be a betrayal of the trust Kenyan workers have placed in your Ministry”.
In a separate video, the assaulted worker appeared to make amends with the Chinese national, saying he had “forgiven his supervisor and they will deal with similar matters in civility.”
“I have forgiven him, and I still want to work here. If there is a problem next time, we will talk in the office and I will accept my mistake, but I have forgiven him,” the worker said in a video after the incident.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government was aware of the incident.
He said the relevant government authorities were taking appropriate actions on the matter. He called on both Kenyans abroad and expatriates living in Kenya to respect the laws, culture, and norms of the host country at all times.
“When in another country, abide by their laws, respect their people, and understand their culture. Kenya expects the same courtesy from all foreign nationals living and working within our borders, and this week’s incident highlights the importance of that principle,” he said.
Mudavadi said this isolated incident should not affect investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies, but it is a reminder to all Chinese citizens in Kenya to uphold the principle of mutual respect with Kenyan friends and behave in accordance with the laws, regulations, and cultural customs of Kenya.
“The Embassy’s position reinforces Kenya’s stance that respect, lawful conduct, and mutual understanding are the foundation of sustainable cooperation between nations. Kenya’s commitment to mutual respect.”
He said the deportation, corporate action, and diplomatic response collectively affirm the government’s commitment to protecting Kenyan workers and maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all.
