The government of Kenya has reassured Burundi nationals living and working in the country of safety amid reports of harassment after a viral video. In an official statement on Wednesday, July 22, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei promised that the government is committed to the security and well-being of all nationals in Kenya, especially from the East African Community (EAC). "To assure that our brothers and sisters from Burundi, as part of the citizens of Jumuiya, are safe in Kenya," Sing'Oei stated in a message posted on X.
The move comes after a viral video displayed a Kenyan man allegedly confronting a Burundian for taking away jobs and business opportunities from while questioning his presence in the country. The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with many distancing themselves from the remarks and reaffirming the country's long-standing tradition of welcoming citizens from across the East African region. The video further drew the attention of a Burundi diplomat, Fred Ngoga, who also serves as Senior Advisor for International Partnerships, the African Union Border Program (AUBP), and Regional Security Mechanisms within the Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) department of the African Union Commission.
He firmly condemned the incident and also dismissed the claims of Burundians being mistreated in Kenya, stating that the incident was unfortunate. According to Egonga, the sentiments captured in the video did not reflect the views of most, as the country has always welcomed the Burundi nationals and even intermarried with most of them. "The majority of are decent and good people who welcome their Brothers and sisters from Burundi.
We also intermarry. A majority have rejected this hate. I commend them," Ngoga stated.
The ambassador thanked who publicly condemned the incident and acknowledged the swift response by Kenyan leaders following the video's circulation. In response, the Kenyan government reaffirmed its commitment to the security and well-being of citizens from partner states within the regional bloc. Kenya and Burundi are among the EAC member states whose citizens regularly cross borders for trade, employment, education and investment.
Thousands of Burundians live and work in Kenya, where they operate businesses, pursue higher education and are employed in various sectors of the economy.