Repatriated Kenyans have begun recounting their experiences following escalating anti-migrant protests in South Africa, with many describing scenes of fear, violence, looting and growing hostility toward foreign nationals.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Some of the returnees who arrived back in Kenya said they were forced to flee after businesses were vandalised, jobs were lost, and insecurity worsened in parts of South Africa affected by the unrest.

One of the repatriates expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for facilitating their safe return, praising officials at the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria for coordinating the evacuation process.

“I am glad to be back home, and I would like to thank the government. Since this started, they have helped us get home safely,” one of the repatriates said.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the returnees, authorities in different provinces issued them letters to help guarantee their safe passage to the Kenyan embassy amid growing tensions and fear of attacks targeting foreigners.

“The repatriation process has been successful because of the High Commission office in Pretoria. The consulate guided us well and organised everything for us, including shelter, food and accommodation,” they added.

“As we were leaving, the situation was becoming difficult. People were losing jobs, others were facing violence, and residents were telling foreigners to leave and go back to where they came from,” he added.

Another returnee, Ruth Wambui, recounted how some foreign nationals, including herself, were allegedly forced out of their homes during the unrest, claiming residents would storm into houses and chase people away while accusing them of benefiting from South African resources.

She said some foreigners were physically assaulted and tortured during the attacks.

Wambui, who had lived in South Africa for 13 years working in the beauty industry, said many foreigners lost businesses and property during the unrest. She also recalled witnessing a Malawian national being beaten by residents, while other returnees reported looted shops and injuries sustained during the attacks.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke