The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has condemned the incident where a Chinese nationalist was captured assaulting a Kenyan worker in a disturbing incident in the Eldoret factory.

In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior & National Administration, Kipchima Murkomen, dated November 15, 2025, Atwoli expressed deep concern over the abuse of Kenyan workers by foreign investors.

Assault

“The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K), is deeply concerned by the prevalent cases of abuse of Kenyan workers by foreign investors. We have taken note of a disturbing viral video circulating on social media in which a Chinese national, allegedly a manager at TCM Mabati Factory in Eldoret, is clearly seen assaulting a Kenyan worker under his supervision,” part of the COTU statement read.

He demanded the immediate deportation of the Chinese national seen assaulting the worker. stressing that such cases of harassment were taking root in the country.

Deportation

“COTU therefore demands the immediate deportation of the Chinese national captured on video assaulting a Kenyan worker at TCM Mabati Factory. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust Kenyan workers have placed in your ministry and the government at large,” he added.

“Just last week, COTU raised concerns and called for the deportation of another Chinese investor at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) who not only forced Kenyan workers to sing Chinese songs before, during, and after work but also verbally abused the General Secretary of the Tailors and Textile Workers Union.

Rein on foreign nationals

As a precautionary measure, the COTU boss called for stronger monitoring of foreign-run enterprises.

“As COTU we are appalled by this incident, which is a gross violation of the rights and dignity of the affected, and as the voice and defender of Kenyan workers, we will not stand by and watch the dignity of Kenyan workers violated by some rogue Chinese employers operating within our borders,” its statement added.

Furthermore, we urge your Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and enforcement measures relating to enterprises run by foreign nationals.