Govt Spokesperson Threatens Action Against Harassment Targeting Foreign Nationals

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has warned against harassment and intimidation of foreign nationals following recent immigration directives.

Speaking during a briefing on Monday, September 7, Owino said the government had directed security agencies and local authorities to ensure that documented foreign nationals and those undergoing registration are not subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination.

He warned individuals found exploiting the directives to promote xenophobic sentiments or mistreat Kenya’s regional neighbours would face legal action.

“Any element seeking to exploit recent directives to fuel xenophobic sentiments or mistreat our neighbours will face the full force of the law,” Owino said.

Owino reiterated that no foreign national should be subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination, regardless of their documentation status. He called on national security agencies, local authorities and the business community to ensure the safety of foreign nationals who are documented or undergoing registration.

“The Government of Kenya maintains a policy against any form of harassment, intimidation or xenophobia. The directive to security agencies, local authorities and the business community is that no foreign national, whether documented or undergoing registration, should be subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination,” Owino added.

His remarks come just days after President William Ruto issued directives regulating small-scale retail and informal trade activities in line with the proposed Local Content Bill 2025, ordering a halt to hawking operations run by foreign nationals across Kenya, effective Monday, September 7.

The directive saw a large number of foreign nationals, particularly from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, thronging bus stations to leave, cyber cafes to process temporary passes, and their embassies to process documents. 

The events were also marked by reports of harassment, with footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke documenting incidents of violence, intimidation and alleged property theft.

The concerns were also raised by the Government of Burundi, which expressed concern over the safety of its citizens and reported that several Burundian traders engaged in small-scale trade had faced dispossession and alleged violence while conducting their daily business activities. 

Owino noted that some East African nationals, including Burundians, have lived and worked in Kenya without full documentation, potentially leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and harassment.

He further revealed that these foreign nationals fall victim simply because they lack proper documentation recognised under Kenyan law, such as work permits and licenses.

Meanwhile , Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei also visited the foreigners at the embassy, where he assured they would be provided adequate security whilst in the country as they navigated their documentation issues. 

“In the next few days, the Government of Kenya will provide security in the places where you largely live within Nairobi County, such as Muthurwa, Kangemi and Bahati, to prevent harassment as we educate Kenyans on the importance of regional cohesion,” Sing’Oei stated.