The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has demanded the immediate deportation of a Chinese manager caught on video assaulting a Kenyan worker at the TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret. The footage, which went viral on social media, shows the employee fending off repeated kicks and slaps from the foreign supervisor, sparked nationwide outrage.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Francis Atwoli wrote: ”COTU demands immediate deportation of a Chinese manager filmed assaulting a Kenyan worker at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret. #Hatutatishwa” – a message that shows the union’s firm stance against workplace abuse.
COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli condemned the incident as “completely unacceptable and a direct violation of Kenyan workers’ rights,” calling on the government to act swiftly.
“This assault was not just a slap; it was an insult to the dignity of Kenyan workers,” Atwoli said. “Anything less than the immediate deportation of this individual would be a betrayal of the trust Kenyan workers place in the government.”
Atwoli highlighted that the case is part of a troubling trend of abuse by some foreign employers. He referenced other recent complaints, including one at an Export Processing Zone factory where a Chinese manager reportedly forced employees to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work while verbally abusing a union leader.
The union has called on the Ministries of Labour and Interior, as well as the Immigration Department, to enforce stricter compliance with labour laws for foreign-run enterprises, protect employees from exploitation, and hold violators accountable.
“We are appalled by this incident,” Atwoli said. “As the voice of Kenyan workers, we will not stand by and watch their dignity violated by rogue foreign managers.”
Labour rights activists have praised COTU’s bold stance, noting that decisive action is critical to preventing similar incidents in the future.
The viral video has heightened public demand for accountability, with many urging the government to ensure that foreign investors respect Kenyan labour rights and standards.
COTU has vowed to monitor developments closely, warning that failure to act decisively would set a dangerous precedent for worker protection in Kenya.
