Government Reacts to Reports of Racial Attacks on Kenyans Living in China

The government of Kenya has reacted to reports that Kenyans are among people of African descent who have been targeted in a wave of racial discrimination that is brewing in China.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was aware that China has launched mass testing of foreigners as part of its measures to curb imported and asymptomatic cases of coronavirus.

The ministry noted that these measures have triggered unfair responses against foreign nationals particularly those from Africa. The Kenyan Embassy in Beijing is working closely with Chinese authorities to find a solution on the matter, the ministry added.

“Local authorities in Guangzhou have been tasked to take immediate action to safeguard the legitimate rights of the Africans concerned,” the ministry stated.

Affected Kenyans have been asked to contact the Embassy directly or through their community leaders. Many Kenyans who spoke to Citizen TV on Thursday said they had been kicked out of their apartments while others had received notices to vacate.

African nationals are reportedly being thrown out of their houses and being denied access to subways, supermarkets and other public places over false allegations of spreading Covid-19. Most of them have been forced to live in the streets.

On Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry denied these claims, noting that the country has zero-tolerance for discrimination.

“We reject differential treatment, and we have zero tolerance for discrimination. The world is taking measures to contain the pandemic,” the ministry said.

“We urge relevant authorities to improve their work, hope all foreigners in China will strictly observe local anti-epidemic regulations, cooperate with and support us in fighting the virus.”