The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Kenya), known as COTU (K), has formally demanded the immediate deportation of a Chinese national.

This demand follows a viral video showing the foreigner assaulting a Kenyan worker at a Factory in Eldoret.

The strong call for action comes just as a video emerged showing the victim choosing to forgive his assailant.

Background to the Incident

A disturbing video circulated widely on social media over the past few days. It showed an Asian employer berating a Kenyan man inside what appeared to be a warehouse in Eldoret.

The confrontation rapidly escalated. The foreigner picked up an iron sheet from the ground. He then hit the Kenyan employee with the sheet.

The initial video sparked significant outrage online. Many people demanded legal action against the employer.

The Twist: Victim Forgives Employer

On Sunday morning, a new video began circulating. In this updated footage, the Kenyan man was seen shaking hands with his employer. He announced that he had forgiven his boss.

The employee stated that he had resolved the issue and wished to remain working at the factory. He even addressed those who might question his decision.

“I have forgiven him and I do not have a problem with him anymore, and I still want to work here,” the man said. “He is my boss, and he will remain my boss”.

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Despite the employee's declaration, the sentiment did not resonate positively with most Kenyans. Some observers termed the relationship toxic.

Others suggested the employee may have been pressured to record the forgiveness video after the assault footage went viral.

COTU Demands Action

COTU (K) expressed deep concern over the incident. They viewed the assault as a severe violation of the rights and dignity of the worker and of Kenyan workers in general.

The union vowed not to stand by while foreign employers violated the dignity of workers within Kenyan borders.

In a letter dated 15th November 2025, COTU formally requested the immediate deportation of the Chinese national. The letter was addressed to the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

COTU stated that anything less than deportation would be a betrayal of the trust Kenyans have placed in the government.

The union urged the Ministry to collaborate with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. This collaboration should strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures relating to enterprises run by foreign nationals.

Previous Concerns Raised

This factory assault follows closely on the heels of a separate case involving labour abuse by a foreign investor.

Just the previous week, COTU had raised concerns about another Chinese investor operating within an Export Processing Zone (EPZ). That individual was identified as Mr. Xiao Jianzhuang.

COTU had called for Mr. Xiao's deportation regarding allegations of labour exploitation and abuse. Reports indicated that workers under Mr. Xiao were forced to work excessively long hours without fair pay.

They were also allegedly compelled to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work as a form of coercion and humiliation. Furthermore, workers reportedly endured the denial of basic human needs, including restricted toilet breaks.

The union asserted that such behaviour undermines the spirit of mutual respect between Kenyan and foreign investors.

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