Row over restaurant should not jeopardise Kenya, China links
What you need to know:
- The Chinese were treated very badly by racists from the West since the 1840 Opium War up to 1949 when China gained independence.
- Governor Evans Kidero should also order a survey on the many restaurants and clubs in Nairobi that do not admit Africans due to cultural or religious beliefs.
Racism is the belief that members of a particular race are superior to other races. Kenyans have of late wrongly labelled the Chinese as racist.
It is our belief that a recent incident involving a Chinese restaurant in Nairobi that denied admission to Africans after 5pm was planned to give a negative impression that the Chinese discriminate against Kenyans.
This was an isolated case arising out of an improper measure of security taken by the management of the Chongqing restaurant to prevent robbery, given that indeed robbery had taken place several times at the restaurant.
The closure of Chongqing restaurant was blamed on lack of licences and failure to secure change of user documents. I invite Nairobi County government to survey all restaurants in Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani and along Ngong road and tell us how many have complied with such requirements.
Governor Evans Kidero should also order a survey on the many restaurants and clubs in Nairobi that do not admit Africans due to cultural or religious beliefs.
DISCRIMINATED AGAINST
The Chinese community in Kenya feel discriminated against due to the way this matter was treated.
Kenya and China have had a long relationship dating back to over 500 years. This incident was deliberately planned by people who do not want the Chinese and Kenyans to do business. They do not want Kenyans to enjoy decent and affordable housing. They do not want Kenya to realise Vision 2030.
The Chinese were treated very badly by racists from the West since the 1840 Opium War up to 1949 when China gained independence. How then can Chinese perpetuate the same heinous crimes that they fought against?
As we reflect on the common journey we have taken, let us ask ourselves who supported Kenya in the fight for independence. Who have supported Kenya in its economic and social development in the last 50 years, and especially in the last 10 years? Who are working day and night to build roads, bridges, hospitals, railways, affordable houses and working with Kenyans to do all flagship projects towards realising Vision 2030?
Let’s look at the facts and think with clear minds on our relations. Let’s not be used as guns and bullets to kill each other. Up to now the Chongqing Restaurant in Kilimani is still closed. I appeal that it is be reopened as soon as possible.
ZEYUN YANG, director Kenya Chinese Overseas Association and managing director, Erdemann Property Ltd
