TCM Roofing Mabati Suppliers has responded to a viral video that captured a physical altercation between two of its employees, a Kenyan and a Chinese national.
In a statement on Sunday, November 16, TCM confirmed that a disagreement between the two workers had escalated into an assault.
The management acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the public that it does not tolerate such conduct in its workplace.
"The management of TCM Roofing Mabati Suppliers wishes to address an unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday involving two of our workers, one Kenyan and one Chinese national.
"The disagreement between the two escalated and resulted in the Chinese worker assaulting his colleague," the statement read.
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TCM further reiterated its policy of maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all employees, regardless of their background.
"As a company, we strongly condemn any form of violence, misconduct, or disrespect within our work environment.
"We maintain that all individuals on our premises, regardless of nationality, race, or background, deserve respect and safety," the statement added.
Clarifying questions raised by the public, TCM noted that the Chinese national involved in the incident was not an investor but a regular employee.
The company expressed regret over the situation and assured stakeholders that decisive action had been taken immediately.
"It is important to clarify that the person involved is just a worker and not the investor. We deeply regret the incident and assure our customers, partners, and the public that immediate disciplinary action has been taken.
"His employment contract has been terminated immediately, and arrangements are already in progress to have him returned to China as soon as possible, despite the reconciliation that happened after the incident," the statement further read.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli had on Sunday called on the state to take action against the Chinese.
Reacting to the clip, Atwoli described the events in it as disturbing.
"As COTU (K), 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," read a statement from COTU.
The organisation called on the state to initiate the importation of the foreigner.
According to Atwoli, the state's silence on the matter would be akin to betraying Kenyans.
He formally addressed a request to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Labour's Alfred Mutua, seeking their intervention on the matter.
"COTU (K) 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," read Atwoli's statement.
Atwoli further urged the ministries to undertake the deportation in collaboration with the Chinese authorities in the country.
