Kenya warns citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant amid protests

Kenya warns citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant amid protests / Artificial Intelligence generated

The Kenya High Commission Pretoria has issued an advisory urging Kenyan nationals living in South Africa to exercise caution following recent demonstrations and isolated incidents affecting foreign nationals.

In the notice, the mission called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and avoid areas where protests or public demonstrations may be taking place, citing security concerns linked to the unrest in parts of the country.

The High Commission also advised citizens to strictly follow guidance issued by local authorities and to prioritise their personal safety at all times.

“The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria wishes to advise all Kenyan nationals residing in the Republic of South Africa to exercise caution and remain vigilant in light of recent demonstrations and isolated incidents reported in some parts of the Republic of South Africa affecting foreign nationals,” the statement read.

“Kenyan nationals are urged to avoid, as far as possible, areas where protests or demonstrations may be taking place, and to remain attentive to guidance issued by local authorities.”

Kenyans in South Africa have further been encouraged to carry valid identification and relevant documentation, which may be required by authorities during heightened security operations.

In the event of an emergency or incident, the mission directed affected individuals to report to the South African Police Service and promptly notify the High Commission to facilitate appropriate assistance.

The advisory comes as diplomatic missions continue to monitor the situation and provide support to their nationals amid concerns over sporadic unrest targeting foreign communities.

The High Commission said it remains accessible through its official communication channels to assist Kenyan citizens requiring help.

This follows the circulation of video clips online appearing to show vigilante groups attacking and confronting individuals they believed to be in South Africa unlawfully; in one instance, a Ghanaian man is questioned about his status.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa and has been accompanied by periodic outbreaks of deadly violence, the BBC reported.

On April 27, the government said no Kenyan was reported as affected by the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, even as it remains on high alert.

An association of Kenyans living in South Africa has since asked its members to exercise caution and remain vigilant following a fresh wave of attacks targeting foreign nationals.

A lobby, known as Kenya Diaspora in South Africa (KEDASA), through its Secretary General William Thegeya, sent an alert to Kenyans living in various parts of South Africa, indicating that violent incidents targeting foreign nationals had been reported.

Kenya’s Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roselyn Njogu said that so far, no Kenyan has been reported among those affected, but noted the state remains on alert.

“The state is monitoring the situation through our mission in Pretoria. Kenyans who may be affected are advised to use the available channels to contact the embassy,” Njogu said via phone, adding: “So far, we haven’t received any reports of any Kenyan who is affected.”