Kenyan officials met with Burundian diplomats to clarify recent remarks by President William Ruto that sparked a gathering of Burundian nationals at a Kenyan embassy. PS Korir Sing’Oei, the Kenyan minister for foreign affairs, visited the Burundian Embassy in Kilimani on Monday, September 7, 2026, to address the situation. Thousands of Burundian citizens had assembled to process travel documents following Ruto’s comments.
Sing’Oei stated that the president’s remarks had been misinterpreted. He emphasized that the comments were not intended to discourage Burundian nationals from seeking travel documents. The meeting aimed to reassure Burundian citizens of Kenya’s commitment to facilitating their travel needs.
The gathering at the embassy highlighted concerns among Burundian nationals about the implications of Ruto’s statements. Officials stressed the importance of clear communication between the two nations to avoid misunderstandings. The situation underscores the ongoing diplomatic relations between Kenya and Burundi.
The visit followed reports of confusion among Burundian traders and citizens in Kenya. Officials are now working to ensure that future communications are more precise to prevent similar gatherings.
