A Chinese Man Is Being Deported From Kenya After Going on a Racist Rant, But Many Say That's Not Enough
Is the punishment sufficient for this level of brazen racism?
Liu Jiaqi, a Chinese motorcycle trader working in Kenya, will be deported on "racism grounds" following a demeaning rant, in which he called Kenyans and President Uhuru Kenyatta "monkeys."
In a video recorded by a Kenyan coworker, Jiaqi can be heard making racist comments about Kenya and its people, complaining that he "doesn't like it here" and saying the country "smells bad and [its people are] poor, foolish and black."
When the coworker asks why he remains in Kenya if he dislikes it so much, Jiaqi responds "to make money."
Kenya's Immigration Department shared a brief statement earlier today, regarding Jiaqi's status.
"Chinese National by the Name Liu Jiaqi who was captured on video yesterday using abusive words has been arrested," the department shared on Twitter. His work permit has been canceled and will be deported on racism grounds."
The video reflects racist attitudes held by some Chinese towards black people, as well as the precariousness of China's growing economic presence throughout the African continent, which many consider to be outright "neocolonialism." China has poured millions of dollars in "foreign investment" into Kenya—funding the building of a railway that links Nairobi to the coast.
As for the government's decision to deport Jiaqi, many Kenyans feel as though that's simply not enough. Many on social media have expresses that they feel he should face harsher punishment for his actions.
This racist Chinese, #LiuJiaqi, must first feel the weight of Kenyan law before he is deported. He must be sent to… https://t.co/ggoYUOOt0c— #OneNation (@#OneNation)1536211168.0
Close the entire business, revoke all their permits and lock every1 including the owners & his parents, deportation… https://t.co/X8NOWThPgx— Peace Kenya (@Peace Kenya)1536233883.0
I am left wondering how comes Liu Jiaqi is 'only' being deported? If i was in China and used similar words, i would… https://t.co/YqjyN8kF64— Anthony Muthara (@Anthony Muthara)1536230784.0
What's the essence of our hospitality to the racist foreigners who are against the growth of #Kenya from economic s… https://t.co/a8esLI11oe— Jack Adienge (@Jack Adienge)1536228454.0
Why deport someone who is breaking the law?? Don't we have prison?? So we are giving them another chance to be free… https://t.co/Xo62HUFbl8— Ronoh K Clinton 🇰🇪 (@Ronoh K Clinton 🇰🇪)1536227257.0
