China Square On The Spot Over Assault on Kisumu Customers

Chinese retail giant faces serious allegations of customer brutality at Kisumu outlet

KISUMU – China Square, the controversial Chinese retail chain, is facing fresh allegations of customer assault at its Kisumu outlet, marking another dark chapter in the company’s troubled operations in Kenya’s lakeside city.

The incident, which occurred at the retailer’s branch located within Mega City at Kachok, has sparked outrage after three young customers were allegedly subjected to physical assault by security personnel following accusations of attempted theft.

The Incident

According to eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage, the drama unfolded when three men in their early twenties visited the store for shopping. During their visit, one of the customers was spotted on security cameras allegedly concealing a whistle in his pocket.

Teblus Tangus, identified as the CCTV operator, reportedly coordinated with the store’s security team to apprehend the three customers.

What followed has been described as a throwback to “slavery days” – the men were taken to the store’s ablution block, stripped half-naked, and subjected to physical assault.

A video of the incident, which has since emerged, shows Tangus alongside a security guard identified as Mr. Wafula from Pawn Security firm, allegedly whipping the young men inside the toilet facility.

When contacted for comment, Teblus Tangus vehemently denied knowledge of the incident and claimed he was not the CCTV operator.

He dismissed the allegations as “misinformation” and suggested the reports were part of a broader campaign to tarnish China Square’s reputation.

“That’s misinformation, I am even not the CCTV operator,” Tangus stated. “They are haters, see what they are even doing to President William Ruto, everybody will hate you.”

However, his denial appears to contradict the existence of video evidence showing him participating in the alleged assault.

Pattern of Controversies

This latest incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding China Square’s operations in Kisumu since its entry into the market earlier this year.

The retailer, which operates a Sh. 500 million outlet in the lakeside city, has been repeatedly accused of poor labor practices and discriminatory behavior.

In February 2025, the company was forced to transfer its Human Resources manager following allegations of tribal discrimination and unlawful dismissals of local employees.

The controversy arose after Kisumu Members of County Assembly stormed the retail store following complaints from constituents.

Sources within the company claimed that local Luo employees were being systematically targeted for demotion or dismissal, leading to public outcry and political intervention.

The retail chain has also been linked to other inappropriate incidents, including the deportation of a Chinese national who worked at the supermarket after a video emerged showing him in an indecent act with an African staff member.

China Square has consistently denied allegations of misconduct. In February, the company dismissed claims of discriminatory dismissals as “rumours and misinformation,” stating that staff changes were part of a broader restructuring process aimed at improving efficiency and business sustainability.

The company, led by CEO Lei Cheng, has maintained that it operates within legal frameworks and has conducted thorough investigations into allegations leveled against it.

China Square, which has at times been a controversial presence, now operates multiple outlets across Kenya, including stores in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The company has been expanding rapidly, with recent openings including a branch at Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi.

The retail chain has faced scrutiny since its entry into the Kenyan market, with critics raising concerns about its business practices and treatment of both employees and customers. In 2023, the company was briefly forced to close its operations due to public safety concerns following escalating tensions.

The latest assault allegations raise serious questions about customer safety and security protocols at retail establishments. Under Kenyan law, private security personnel have limited powers and cannot detain or assault suspected shoplifters.

If proven, the actions of China Square’s security team could constitute assault, unlawful detention, and violation of fundamental human rights. The incident may also attract the attention of consumer protection agencies and labor rights organizations.

The incident has sparked anger among Kisumu residents, with many calling for stronger oversight of foreign-owned businesses operating in the region. Local leaders have expressed concern about the treatment of Kenyan customers and employees by the Chinese retail giant.

The assault allegations come at a time when Kenya is grappling with broader questions about the conduct of Chinese businesses operating in the country, particularly regarding labor practices and respect for local laws and customs.

As investigations into the incident continue, China Square faces mounting pressure to address systemic issues in its operations.