Four Chinese nationals arrested for caning a Kenyan waiter

Four Chinese nationals have been arrested and remanded after a video of one of them caning a Kenyan worker in Nairobi emerged online.

They are Chang Yueping, Ou Qiang, Yu Ling and Deng Hailan, the main architect of the assault.

The staffer, who has been identified as Simon Osako Silo, worked in the hotel as a waiter. He disclosed that the assault on him was because he reported late to work on February 2.

According to South China Morning Post, Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation raided Chez Wou Restaurant in Kileleshwa, a suburb in Nairobi, on Sunday, and made the arrest. 

Police said Deng worked at the restaurant as a chef but did not have a valid permit. 

He faces charges of assault and could be deported.

The two others, Chang Yueping and Ou Qiang who were arrested are reportedly holding expired visas. According to the police “Chang holds a work permit, but his compatriot doesn’t.”

Also, Yu Ling, a hotel cashier who held a visitor’s visa but no work permit, was also arrested. 

Eight Kenyan workers were taken to Kilimani Police Station as part of the investigation.

The disturbing video which circulated in Kenya over the weekend prompted calls for action. In the video the waiter is asked what part of his body he would prefer to have caned.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi has called on the police to investigate the case.

“We support the Kenyan police to investigate the whole issue thoroughly, according to Kenyan laws. Whoever is violating the law will face the legal consequences,” a statement said.

This isn’t the first time Chinese nationals have been involved in illegalities. In 2019, four Chinese were deported after engaging in merchandising and hawking without visas.

They have also being instances of deportation in Ghana and Nigeria.