Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has called on all foreigners living and working in Kenya to respect the country’s laws, following the circulation of distressing video footage showing a Chinese national assaulting a Kenyan employee at a private company in Nairobi.
The incident, widely shared on social media, has reignited national discussions on the conduct of expatriates in the country.
In a statement on Monday, Mudavadi’s office reiterated his long-standing message to both Kenyans abroad and foreigners in Kenya: “Respect the laws, culture, and norms of your host country at all times.”
The statement added, “Mudavadi has, in numerous public forums, emphasized that adherence to local laws is a universal expectation. When in another country, abide by their laws, respect their people, and understand their culture. Kenya expects the same courtesy from all foreign nationals living and working within our borders.”
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi expressed disappointment over the assault and reaffirmed that all Chinese citizens in Kenya are expected to follow local laws and respect Kenyan cultural norms. The Embassy noted that the company involved had terminated the employee’s contract and would consider further disciplinary action.
The Embassy said: “While the majority of Chinese citizens in Kenya abide by local laws and customs, this incident is an important reminder to maintain mutual respect. It should not affect investment cooperation between Chinese and Kenyan companies.”
Mudavadi stressed that Kenya remains open to investors, skilled professionals, and development partners from around the world. However, he emphasized that all foreign nationals must act within Kenyan law and respect the country’s culture and people.
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