The Central Organisation of Trade Unions Kenya (COTU) has written to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, demanding the immediate deportation of a Chinese national filmed assaulting a Kenyan worker at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret. Eastleigh Voice reports
In a letter dated November 15, 2025, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli described the incident as unacceptable, calling on the government to act swiftly to safeguard the rights and dignity of Kenyan workers employed by foreign investors.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media platforms, shows the factory manager striking the worker repeatedly with an iron sheet as the employee tried to shield himself. The footage sparked national outrage and prompted calls for legal action.
“We are appalled by this incident, which is a gross violation of the rights and dignity of the affected worker. We will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders,” Atwoli said.
He not only demanded the deportation of the manager involved at TCM Mabati Factory but also urged authorities to remove other foreign investors accused of abusing Kenyan workers.
In another letter dated November 12, 2025 and addressed to Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, the union highlighted a case in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), where a Chinese employer reportedly forced workers to sing Chinese songs before, during and after work, while verbally abusing the union leadership.
Atwoli called for the immediate deportation of the employer, Mr Xiao Jianzhoung, holder of Passport No. EK0111747 and KRA PIN A020278066C, citing continued labour exploitation, abuse and inhumane treatment of Kenyan workers.
