- Rapper Octopizzo took to X on Sunday, September 6, to speak out over the treatment of Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya
- His post came as diplomatic tensions flared between Kenya and Burundi following reports of harassment and forced removal of Burundian traders
- The rapper’s stance divided Kenyans online, with some backing his call for compassion and others arguing locals must be protected first
Kenyan rapper Octopizzo has waded into the growing debate over the treatment of Burundian nationals in Kenya, urging Kenyans to allow refugees and migrants to live and work in the country without fear of harassment.
Source: Facebook
In a post shared on X on Sunday, September 6, the celebrated hip-hop artist wrote that rebuilding a life from scratch after fleeing one’s country is one of the hardest experiences a person can go through, and that making someone feel unwelcome after they have finally found safety only adds to that pain.
Read also
Thousands of Burundians throng embassy in Nairobi to collect free travel documents
What did Octopizzo say about immigrant Burundians?
“Let Burundians who are living and working in Kenya do so in peace. If anyone commits a crime, let the law take its course, investigate, arrest and prosecute them according to the law, regardless of their nationality,” he wrote.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉
Octopizzo’s post arrived at a sensitive moment in Kenya-Burundi relations. President William Ruto recently directed that small-scale informal businesses, including street vending of tea, coffee and mandazi, be reserved for Kenyan citizens.
While Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei later clarified that EAC nationals with valid documentation and business licences remain legally protected, the remarks sparked a heated national conversation.
A video showing a Kenyan man verbally abusing a Burundian tea vendor in Nairobi went viral and intensified the backlash.
Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Édouard Bizimana condemned what he described as harassment, vandalism and forced removal of Burundian nationals, and Burundi subsequently summoned the Kenyan ambassador.
Read also
Eric Omondi arrested in Nairobi CBD while collecting signatures
Bizimana also called on EAC Chairperson Yoweri Museveni to convene an emergency summit to address the situation.
See the post below:
Kenyans weigh in
The rapper’s comments quickly drew a wide range of responses online, reflecting just how divided public opinion is on the issue.
@Kyle61211632:
“Kenya should make sure that these immigrants are legal, and also operate businesses that safeguard Kenyans and contribute to the Kenyan Economy”
@bizythedon:
“I think anyone, as long is a human being, can stay anywhere on this God-given earth and be productive as long as is fair and legal business they are doing. The reason of sending entrepreneurs away, and the locals don’t even want to engage in such business, is hard yto understand.”
@Babashawnkenya:
“Bro, we all know who you support. Despite giving us a dope refugeenius album, it’s clear you are supporting our destroyer. Choose a side n be a man”
@jmburu5:
“Where can you go and live without papers and do anything without paying taxes? Help me, I go”
Read also
Burundi reports Ruto to Museveni over crackdown on foreigners: “Tame him”
@KenKiraeng:
“Burundi is not at war; we have a rapidly growing population that is struggling. We should not encourage massive immigration.”
@Fideyuska:
“They come; they use our resources. Public resources meant for Kenyans. Yet they give back nothing. They don’t even pay taxes. They are being exploited such that MJENGO now pays 400ksh. They are making urban life harder, especially for we the YOUTH.”
Octopizzo’s post quickly went viral, signalling that his intervention in the debate had struck a nerve far beyond his usual music fanbase.
Are Burundians being harassed in Kenya?
TUKO.co.ke also shared details about a trending video that captured a Kenyan man harassing a Burundian street vendor in Nairobi, sparking outrage among the public.
This confrontation raised questions about the treatment of migrant workers and their right to earn a living without fear of intimidation.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
