The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the treatment of foreign nationals in KenyaJuja residents have been praised online after they intervened to protect a Burundian hawker who was allegedly harassed by a Kenyan man over mandazis.
The man reportedly wanted to eat the hawker's mandazis without paying, prompting residents to intervene and turn against him.
In a video posted online, the man attempted to seek refuge inside a building but was followed by the residents, who then dragged him out and handed him over to police.
The incident has sparked praise online, with many Kenyans commending the residents for standing up against harassment and xenophobia.
“Infaa hivyo, we also want to feel safe when we travel to other parts of our country and other countries as well,” one person said.
“Umoja wa Africa uzidi kudumu, tusitumiwe vibaya kuwaumiza ndugu zetu,” another added.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the treatment of foreign nationals in Kenya following President William Ruto's directive on foreign participation in small-scale businesses.
On September 2, Ruto ordered the immediate closure of small-scale businesses and hawking activities operated by foreign nationals, saying the move was intended to protect local traders.
He said foreign investors should focus on major production and job creation rather than compete with small local traders in retail shops, kiosks and hawking activities that require relatively little capital.
The directive sparked anxiety among foreign nationals, particularly Burundians, with some flocking to their embassy in Nairobi to process travel documents ahead of a September 7 deadline they understood to have been set for their departure.
The government later announced a 90-day grace period following widespread concern that the directive could fuel xenophobic attacks.
The temporary window is intended to give foreign traders time to regularise their immigration status, work permits and business licences while allowing authorities to establish an orderly registration and compliance process.
Relevant government agencies were directed to work with affected embassies to provide foreign nationals with a structured opportunity to comply with Kenyan law.
The government also stressed that enforcement is the preserve of authorised agencies and warned that no individual or group has the right to threaten, harass or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses.
Government spokesperson Charles Owino said people involved in intimidation or violence against foreigners would face legal action, adding that economic concerns did not justify lawlessness.
The Juja incident on Tuesday underscored the distinction between enforcing immigration and business regulations and targeting people solely because of their nationality.
“It is up to the public to protect these people who are working so hard to survive here,” a Kenyan said.
Police in Nairobi have also arrested at least six people in connection with alleged harassment of foreigners living and working in the city.
Some of the suspects were detained over remarks allegedly intended to incite ethnic hatred, hostility and violence against Burundian nationals and Maasai people from Tanzania living and working in Kenya.
