Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei apologised to Burundian nationals living in Kenya over recent attacks linked to the government’s crackdown on undocumented foreign traders, pledging enhanced security in areas with large Burundian populations.
He visited the Burundi embassy in Nairobi on Monday amid rush by the foreigners to get documents for their stay or departure.
There had been chaos at the embassy and some of the foreigners reported they had been attacked and robbed their property by some Kenyans who were targeting them because of the directive by president William Ruto.
Speaking alongside Burundian Ambassador Evelyne Habonimana, whom he thanked for her cooperation during the crisis, Sing’Oei acknowledged that many Burundians have lived peacefully alongside Kenyans for years before the recent tension.
“For many years, many of you have lived in Kenya like other Kenyans. You have lived with your neighbours, your brothers, and you have lived well,” he said
He said the government’s directive was targeted at those operating small businesses without the required licences, and regretted that a lack of clear communication had left some Burundians vulnerable to attacks from neighbours who misunderstood the directive.
“We are saying sorry because those who do small businesses without a licence are not allowed to continue operating. There are many who do not understand you well, and because you are not able to explain yourselves, many of you have been attacked by your neighbours and friends. We are saying sorry for that,” Sing’Oei said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Africans, including Burundian nationals, live together with Kenyans as brothers, and urged affected residents to ensure they have the correct documentation, business licences and registration to allow them to operate without harassment.
“If you have a business licence, your business will be able to operate well because you have registered well with our government,” he said, adding that residents with valid passports and proper registration have nothing to fear.
Sing’Oei pledged that the government will step up security in areas with significant Burundian populations, and assured the community that they retain the right to report any harassment or attacks to the authorities.
“The government will provide more security to the areas where you live. You cannot be harassed. You cannot be attacked. You have the right to inform the authorities about what is happening to you, and you also have the right to register properly,” he said.
Officials at the embassy said most of the foreigners had not turned at their working places in many parts of the urban areas. The areas included Homa Bay, Migori, Nairobi, Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisii and Kiambu among others.
Police were in the meantime told to ensure the foreigners are protected. This was after some of them complained they had been attacked and robbed of their valuables.
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