Foreign traders from Burundi have become the focus of growing tensions in Kenya, as human rights officials and diplomats warn of escalating harassment and legal uncertainties. Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso highlighted that attacks on Burundian nationals have caused anxiety among foreign traders, raising concerns about the safety and legal status of non-Kenyan citizens.
A Burundian diplomat, Ambassador Fred Ngoga, recently resigned from the African Union Commission (AUC) after publicly questioning the selective eviction of Burundian nationals from Kenya. His resignation followed a series of reports indicating that Burundian traders were being targeted in a manner perceived as discriminatory.
In response, the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) has called for an immediate halt to enforcement actions against non-Kenyan traders. The group warned that these operations lack clear legal backing and have led to increased tensions and harassment. The coalition of human rights and policing experts emphasized the need for legal clarity and protection for foreign nationals.
The situation highlights a growing rift between Kenya and Burundi, with both sides accusing each other of discriminatory practices. As the debate continues, the international community is watching closely for signs of diplomatic resolution.
