A shocking video of a Chinese employer in Eldoret assaulting his Kenyan worker sparked national outrage this week. The clip showed the boss kicking the man repeatedly, even hitting him with a piece of iron sheet as helpless colleagues watched. Many Kenyans were horrified by the violence and the worker’s inability to defend himself.
Social media quickly filled with anger and sadness. People wondered how a grown man, a father, could be beaten like that and still return to work. For many, the video exposed the painful reality of workers who endure humiliation simply to keep food on the table.
Even COTU called for the Chinese employer to be deported.
But only hours later, the story took an unexpected turn. A second video appeared online, this time showing the two men shaking hands peacefully. The employer looked remorseful, and reports suggest he even offered the worker a salary increase. In the clip, the Kenyan man confirmed he had forgiven his boss and was ready to continue working.
His words were calm and firm. He said the incident was behind them and that they would find better ways to resolve future disagreements. He also made it clear that he would not be swayed by public opinion.
The forgiveness surprised many Kenyans, but it also revealed something deeper. For some, his decision was a sign of strength and a desire for peace. For others, it reflected the hard choices workers face when survival depends on holding onto a job, even one that comes with mistreatment.
By Vivian K.