The government has asked Kenyans to “bear with the Chinese” who are facing accusations of racism and discrimination in the running of the Standard Gauge Railway and that they should “appreciate the work” the Chinese are doing.
In a statement through spokesperson Erick Kiraithe, the State downplayed allegations of mistreatment but added that investigations into the claims were ongoing.
“We have put all measures to deal with these issues, but if you are a Kenyan who claim to have mistreated and you have not reported to police and have not reported to Fida, then you have to,” said Mr Kiraithe.
And while acknowledging that the government had received some complaints on racism, he said action will be taken against foreigners found culpable of discriminating against locals.
Mr Kiraithe blamed unnamed persons, accusing them of being as detractors who are out to slow down the Vision 2030 flagship project.
Local staff have also raised the alarm in the killing of wildlife in the Tsavo ecosystem, rekindling memories of the spirited fight environmentalists staged against the passing of railway line through the national park.
But Mr Kiraithe defended the China Road and Bridge Corporation, saying the killing of wildlife “was not intentional”.
He also asked local staff working on SGR to stop using social media to discuss and air their dissatisfactions, claiming “it is a standard practice globally”.
