The Burundi government has begun making arrangements to repatriate its citizens from Kenya following President William Ruto’s directive to crack down on foreign nationals hawking goods in the country.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement, the Burundi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Cooperation for Development confirmed the plans, saying they were being coordinated with the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi.

"Burundi is preparing to send buses to Kenya, and the Embassy of Burundi in Nairobi will issue free laissez-passer documents to facilitate the return to Burundi for those who wish to leave Kenya," the ministry stated.

Meanwhile, footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, September 7, showed large crowds of Burundian nationals flocking to the Machakos Country Bus Station with their luggage as they sought transport back home.

📌 What You Need to Know

Similar chaotic scenes have also been witnessed at the busy Kenya-Uganda border at Malaba, where anxious travellers are scrambling to buy bus tickets to head home.

Many others have also flocked to the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Nairobi, seeking free travel documents for repatriation as the situation heightens.

President William Ruto, on September 2, directed authorities to begin dismantling small-scale retail and hawking operations run by foreign nationals across Kenya, effective September 7, insisting foreign investment should target large ventures boosting production and jobs, not compete with local hawkers.

The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, led by Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, warned that most of these foreign small-scale traders have violated visa or regulatory conditions, while those with the right visa requirements must obtain an operating license to resume their businesses.

In a rejoinder, the Burundi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns over the safety of its citizens, stating that several Burundian traders engaged in small-scale trade reportedly faced dispossession and unjustified violence while carrying out their daily business activities.

It further noted that the subsequent speech by President Ruto last Wednesday worsened tensions, triggering further violence against Burundian citizens living in Kenya.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke