Foreign traders from Burundi have become a focal point of growing political and legal tensions in Kenya. The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) has called for an immediate halt to enforcement actions against non-Kenyan traders, citing a lack of clear legal backing and the resulting harassment. The group, based in Nairobi, issued a statement on September 10, 2026, warning that these operations have created significant tensions involving foreign nationals.
Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, a rights body commissioner, expressed concern over the targeting of Burundian nationals, noting that such incidents have caused anxiety among foreign traders. His remarks highlight a broader pattern of scrutiny on Burundian traders, which has sparked public unease. Meanwhile, Burundian diplomat Ambassador Fred Ngoga resigned from the African Union Commission (AUC) after raising concerns about the selective eviction of Burundian nationals from Kenya.
Ngoga’s resignation followed a public statement in which he questioned the fairness of the evictions, suggesting they were not uniformly applied. His departure has added to the political complexity surrounding the issue. The situation remains under review, with calls for legal clarity and diplomatic dialogue to resolve the growing friction between Kenya and Burundi.
