Hundreds of nationals who live in Kenya have reportedly gone looking for travel documents so Burundian nationals can go back home after the government told foreign‑owned small businesses to shut down.
Crowds gathered at the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi on Monday. Many Burundian nationals carried documents and luggage because Burundian nationals were getting ready to leave Kenya. This happened after President William Ruto ordered foreign‑owned businesses to close by Monday.
The directive has made foreign nationals feel especially Burundians who work as street vendors in Nairobi. Some Burundian nationals told AFP that Burundian nationals had faced hostility, alleged attacks and robberies. These claims could not be independently verified.
Burundi’s Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana condemned what he described as violence against foreigners, Burundians and called on the Kenyan government to protect Kenyan nationals.
Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing’Oei later visited the Burundi Embassy. Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing’Oei apologised to nationals affected and assured Burundian nationals that police would protect areas where violence had been reported.
Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing’Oei said President William Ruto’s comments had been misunderstood. Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing’Oei added that the Kenyan government was focused on making sure that foreign residents were properly identified and that businesses followed registration rules.
Government spokesperson Charles Owino said authorities had started a documentation and registration process for East African nationals who live and work in Kenya but do not have complete documentation.
The situation has raised concerns about rights, regional integration and freedom of movement, within the East African Community.
