The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has apologised following the controversy over a restaurant’s policy of not admitting black Kenyans after 5pm.
The Chinese restaurant in Kilimani was closed by the Nairobi County government on Tuesday as it did not have a liquor licence, a health licence and a change-of-use licence.
The restaurant’s management had apologised for the policy, saying the move was necessary following a robbery in 2013.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday by spokesperson Mao Yizong, the Embassy expressed “deep and sincere regret” for the restaurant’s treatment of customers.
“On behalf of the Embassy, I declare that the conduct reported was wrong and unbecoming. It has caused unnecessary, yet avoidable, misunderstandings and threatened to jeopardize the mutual trust and friendship between the Chinese and Kenyan people … The Embassy has thus far raised its concerns to and reprimanded the owner of the restaurant.”
Responding to the justification of the policy offered by the restaurant’s management, the Chinese government said the restaurant “ought to have taken thoughtful measures” which would not have resulted in selective admission.
WARNING
The Embassy also warned its citizens living in the country, saying it hoped lessons had been learnt. “We do not expect such reckless conduct from Chinese businesspeople in Kenya … We shall deal with any repeat of such misconduct with severity, firmness and alacrity it deserves.”
China encouraged people to report anything that could potentially damage relations between the people of the two countries, saying it was “keen on creating a conducive environment of amiable co-existence between the people of China and Kenyans”.
“We are therefore ready and willing to listen and ensure that nothing dents the thriving relationship between the people of China and the people of Kenya.”
-nation.co.ke
