A group of Burundians scramble to register at their embassy in NairobiPolice in Nairobi arrested at least six people in connection with claims of harassing foreigners living and working in Kenya.
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.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said four of the suspects were held over alleged harassment of Chinese traders in Nyamakima by demanding immigration documents and bribes.
This came as authorities turned on Kenyans who are misusing an earlier order for foreigners in Nairobi to stop engaging in small-scale businesses without proper documents.
The Kenyan government has extended the window for Burundian nationals to regularise their stay and businesses in the country to 90 days, as authorities move to address humanitarian concerns arising from the ongoing immigration enforcement exercise.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei conveyed the same message during a high-level coordination meeting involving Burundi’s Ambassador to Kenya Evelyne Habonimana, UNHCR Kenya Representative Fatima Mohammed-Cole and IOM Kenya Representative Nomagugu Ncube.
Sing’oei said the meeting focused on addressing the humanitarian needs of Burundian nationals while ensuring that the process is conducted in an orderly and dignified manner.
“In the true spirit of East African cooperation, we are working hand-in-hand as one team to ensure order, dignity, and safety for all our brothers and sisters,” Sing’oei said.
He said the government had extended the regularisation window to 90 days to support an orderly process.
Sing’oei also sought to reassure foreign nationals in Kenya that they would be protected during the exercise, warning against harassment or abuse.
“We strongly guarantee the safety of all foreign nationals; no harassment will be tolerated,” he said.
The PS further said any return of Burundian nationals would be strictly voluntary, informed and transparently documented under the joint coordination framework.
He said a Joint Task Team was also being constituted to address emerging issues and coordinate the implementation of the measures agreed upon by the Kenyan and Burundian authorities, together with UN agencies.
The development comes amid heightened attention on the treatment of foreign nationals following the government's crackdown on foreigners engaged in small-scale retail and hawking activities reserved for Kenyan citizens.
The government has maintained that the enforcement measures are aimed at protecting opportunities for Kenyan traders while ensuring that foreign nationals comply with immigration and business regulations.
The latest assurance from the Foreign Affairs Ministry is expected to ease concerns among Burundian nationals and humanitarian agencies over the implementation of the enforcement measures.
Mohamud said a team of police had also arrested a 32-year-old man over remarks allegedly intended to incite ethnic hatred, hostility and violence against Burundian nationals and Maasai people from Tanzania living and working in Kenya.
The man was arrested by officers from Kilimani Police Station on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in connection with remarks he allegedly made while in Hurlingham.
The remarks were captured on video and later circulated widely on social media, prompting police investigations.
According to police, the utterances targeted Burundian nationals and Maasai people from Tanzania residing in Kenya and engaged in various economic activities, including employment and small-scale businesses.
Detectives are examining the content, circumstances and alleged intent behind the remarks as part of investigations into possible offences relating to hate speech and ethnic incitement.
Detectives drawn from DCI Buruburu also
arrested a 32-year-old man over remarks intended to incite ethnic hatred,
hostility and violence against Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.
The suspect was arrested in connection with
remarks he made at Jacaranda Grounds in Kayole during a Bunge la Mwananchi
event.
The remarks were captured on video and subsequently circulated widely on social media, prompting investigations by DCI detectives.
Preliminary investigations have established that the utterances were directed at Burundian nationals residing in Kenya and engaged in various economic activities, including employment.
Detectives are examining the circumstances and intent behind the remarks as part of investigations into possible offences relating to hate speech and ethnic incitement.
The suspect is expected to be charged with hate speech contrary to Section 13(1)(a), as read with Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, alongside any other appropriate charges that may arise from the ongoing investigations.
He is scheduled to be arraigned in court.
The DCI told members of the public that while
freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to hate
speech, ethnic incitement or advocacy of violence.
“Kenya is a diverse nation that is home to people from different ethnic communities and nationalities, including foreign nationals who reside and work in the country.The targeting of individuals or communities on the basis of their nationality or ethnicity, particularly where such conduct is intended to promote hatred, hostility or violence, will not be tolerated,” the DCI Mohamed Amin said.
He cautioned against taking the law into their
own hands or engaging in acts that could undermine peace and public order.
Amin said police will continue to monitor public
and online spaces for content and conduct that threaten national cohesion,
public safety and peaceful coexistence. Those found culpable will be dealt with
in accordance with the law, without fear or favour.
Members of the public are encouraged to report
information relating to hate speech, ethnic incitement or any other criminal
activity anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI DCI toll-free hotline 0800 722
203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
