The Kenyan government has reassured Burundian nationals living and working in the country after public outrage over a viral video showing a Kenyan man verbally confronting a Burundian tea and mandazi vendor.
The video, which spread widely on social media, sparked criticism from many Kenyans and drew the attention of senior officials in both Kenya and Burundi amid concerns over xenophobic remarks directed at the trader.
In the video, the man is heard accusing the vendor of taking jobs and business opportunities from Kenyans and questioning his presence in the country.
The exchange triggered widespread debate online about the treatment of foreign nationals and the need to uphold the spirit of regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).
Kenya Moves to Assure Burundians
The controversy prompted a response from Burundi’s Ambassador to Kenya, Fred Ngoga, who expressed confidence that the views expressed in the video did not represent the majority of Kenyans.
“The majority of Kenyans are decent and good people who welcome their brothers and sisters from Burundi. We also intermarry. A majority have rejected this hate,” Ngoga said in a statement shared on X.
The envoy thanked Kenyans who condemned the incident and also acknowledged the response of Kenyan leaders who spoke out following the circulation of the video.
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Ngoga further appealed for the protection of Burundian citizens living and working in Kenya, saying they should continue to enjoy safety and dignity as members of the wider East African community.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei responded shortly afterwards, seeking to reassure Burundians and other East Africans residing in Kenya.
In a message posted on X, Sing’Oei said the government remained committed to ensuring the safety of citizens from partner states within the regional bloc.
“To assure that our brothers and sisters from Burundi, as part of the citizens of Jumuiya, are safe in Kenya,” Sing’Oei wrote.
The EAC brings together several countries in the region, including Kenya and Burundi, with member states working towards deeper economic and social integration. Citizens of partner states regularly cross borders for trade, employment, education and investment opportunities.
Thousands of Burundians live and work across East Africa, including in Kenya, where many operate businesses, pursue studies or seek employment in various sectors of the economy.
The free movement of people within the region has played a key role in boosting trade and strengthening ties among EAC member states.
Debate Over Xenophobia
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of Africa, particularly South Africa, where tensions over immigration, employment and access to public services have periodically triggered hostility towards foreign nationals.
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In recent years, migrants from other African countries have complained of harassment and discrimination, prompting repeated calls by governments and regional bodies for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
While Kenya has largely avoided the large-scale anti-migrant violence seen elsewhere on the continent, the viral confrontation has raised concerns among some observers about the need to guard against similar sentiments taking root, especially at a time when East African states are pursuing deeper regional integration through the free movement of people, labor, goods and services.
“This Bodaboda guy harassing a Burundi national who is selling Kahawa and Mandazi in Nairobi CBD is wrong in so many ways,” said Omwamba, an X user.
“I don’t see the need to harass Burundians who sell coffee and snacks on the streets because Kenyans are not willing to do those jobs. Let them be,” added Kebz, another X user.
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