Burundians Stranded Outside Nairobi Embassy Following Kenya Foreigner Crackdown
Hundreds of Burundian nationals remain stranded outside their embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, with families sleeping on the streets among their luggage as they wait for emergency travel documents to return home.
The brewing humanitarian crisis follows President William Ruto’s crackdown on undocumented foreigners operating small businesses without valid permits.
While Kenya has given foreign nationals a 90-day grace period to regularise their legal status, many Burundians report a sudden surge in hostility, leaving them desperate to flee.
Families Brave Intense Cold and Price Gouging
On Thursday, families were camped out on the pavement under heavy police surveillance. Stranded citizens report harsh living conditions and exploitation as they wait for bureaucratic clearance.
Kenya is currently experiencing severe weather conditions, putting the lives of stranded migrants at risk. “The children are sleeping outside in the cold,” said Nshimirima Esparance, a stranded Burundian national. “I have never experienced this much cold in Nairobi… the children are suffering.”
Amid all these are reports of exploitative pricing. Esparance added that local food vendors quadrupled prices immediately after the eviction news broke. “A plate of food that we used to buy for 50 Kenyan shillings now costs 200 to 300 shillings,” she said.
Fear of Arrest at the Border
Many families abruptly abandoned their homes and businesses to seek refuge at the embassy, hoping to secure immediate passage back to Burundi. However, bureaucratic delays have left them in limbo.
“Since Sunday until now, no one has received the documents. We are just here, and we are not getting any help,” explained James Wamunga, another stranded citizen. He noted that attempting to travel without papers is a major risk: “If you don’t have the documents, when you get to Tanzania, you are arrested.”
Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Xenophobia Fears
The mass exodus comes amid reports of targeted harassment. Some Burundians have reported facing threats, physical attacks, and the looting of their shops.
Human rights organisations have sounded the alarm over potential xenophobic violence, prompting a sharp response from Bujumbura.
Burundian Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana strongly condemned the alleged mistreatment and formally urged Kenyan authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens.
In response, the Kenyan government stated that any harassment or xenophobic targeting of foreigners will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, the Burundian government is currently coordinating emergency travel documents and arranging buses to repatriate those waiting in Nairobi.
(VIORY)
