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Hundreds of Burundians have flocked to their embassy in Nairobi for travel documents following Kenya’s foreign-business crackdown.
The rush came days after President William Ruto ordered foreign-owned small businesses to close by Monday.
Ruto said Kenya “has not built investor confidence for hawkers”, prompting fear among foreign traders, particularly Burundians working as street vendors.
Crowds carrying brown envelopes queued for hours outside the Burundi embassy, while suitcases and plastic bags piled up inside the compound.
Burundi’s Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana condemned what he described as “violence against foreigners, particularly Burundians”.
“Kenya government is responsible for the lives of Burundians living in Kenya,” he posted on X.
He also warned that allowing civilians to carry out police duties could encourage “violence, looting, and xenophobia”.
Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister, Korir Sing’Oei, later visited the embassy, apologised to Burundians, and assured them police would protect areas where violence had been reported.
Sing’Oei said Ruto’s remarks had been “misunderstood”.
“Because of this lack of understanding, many have been attacked by their neighbours and their friends,” he said.
“Our main aim is to know how you are living, where you are, that you have identification, and that your jobs are registered,” Sing’Oei added.
Government spokesperson Charles Owino said authorities had opened a “formal documentation and registration window” for affected foreigners.
He urged Burundians to present their documents at their embassy for registration.
“The government recognises that due to historical circumstances and regional dynamics, a number of east African nationals, including several Burundians, reside and operate in Kenya without full documentation,” Owino said.
Burundi, with a population of about 15 million, is one of the world’s poorest countries and is part of the East African Community alongside Kenya.
