KENHA expels Chinese staff accused of attacking Kenyan engineer

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has expelled four Chinese contractors who were accused of assaulting Rodgers Imasia, a resident engineer of the company.

According to a statement seen by Ureport, the accused; Liu Jiang, Wang Kai, Zhao Liangbin and Li Shaoqing were contracted staff undertaking the construction and rehabilitation of the Loichangamatak – Lodwar road.

KENHA wrote to the contractor’s representative, China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group regarding the incident that took place on May 17, 2019.

“The conduct is against the Conditions of Contract of Staff, with regard to Contractors Personnel, Disorder Conduct and Foreign Personnel.

“Consequently, KENHA on 21st May 2019, expelled the staff from the project site forthwith and has made a recommendation for the cancellation of work permits for the foreign staff involved, to the relevant immigration authorities,” read the statement.

Further, KENHA instructed for the replacement of the expelled staff and urged the contractor to conduct capacity building for its entire staff.

On Wednesday, the four were freed after the complainant withdrew the case.

Earlier this week, construction workers’ chairman Wilberforce Dida said workers would down tools until legal action is taken against all the Chinese staff who attacked the engineer.

Dida claimed the group of Chinese staff wrestled the Kenyan engineer while inspecting the ongoing road construction.

He alleged that several workers have been attacked by the Chinese workers over minor mistakes during construction.

"Many of us are being assaulted every day. The company is not taking workers’ safety measures seriously. We have cases where 15 local workers have been injured while on duty," He claimed.