China warns Kenyan MP over "irresponsible & racist" comments in corona virus debate

The Government of China through its Embassy in Nairobi on Thursday evening warned against what it termed as irresponsible and racist remarks by a Kenyan MP during debate on control of the corona virus.

In a statement sent to news rooms, the Embassy said it strongly objected to the comments made by the unidentified MP but did not indicate whether the matter would be followed up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Statement further called on Kenyans to cease discrimination of Chinese nationals who may be seen wearing masks and other self-quarantine measures which they described as being informed by science.

"While the Embassy will continue to require all Chinese nationals entering Kenya to cooperate with the Ministry of Health and follow the 14-day quarantine instructions, we call upon a rational and scientific approach towards the Chinese community and firmly object any irresponsible and even racist remarks as seen from one of the MPs today," the statement read in part.

China's Ambassador to Kenya Wu Peng issued the statement after a public incident where residents attempted to evict a Chinese national at Sidai Estate in Athi River.

The Chinese woman had jetted into the country in the controversial China Southern Airlines which landed at JKIA with 239 passengers.

Airport officials declined to clear the 239 passengers into the country before senior government officials intervened and allowed the passengers into the country on the request that they would self-quarantine for 14 days.

Kenyans have challenged the decision to allow Chinese nationals coming from the corona virus-hit nation - many saying the self-quarantine recommendation was poorly executed.

The passengers have had interactions with non-infected Kenyans including taxi drivers and there is no follow up on whether the 239 passengers would abide by the request made by the Ministry of Health.

Countries such as India and Australia have issued strict quarantine measures which include barring any foreign nationals who have been to India to enter their boundaries.

In Australia, a plane full of Australian nationals fleeing China was quarantined in an Island for a total of fourteen days before the passengers were allowed to integrate.