<\/span><\/h2>\nThe controversy stemmed from remarks attributed to President Ruto on the policy for welcoming investors. According to this position, visa facilitation was intended to attract investors capable of creating businesses, rather than foreigners coming to run small shops or sell in informal markets.<\/p>\n
In this context, the idea of barring foreigners from taking part in certain basic commercial activities sparked serious concern. Retail trade, small services and street vending are precisely the means of livelihood for many African migrants in Kenyan cities.<\/p>\n
Burundians were notably cited among those affected by this atmosphere. Some sell coffee, doughnuts or other products on the streets of Nairobi. Critics of the measure point out that these vendors also buy their goods locally before reselling them, making them part of the country’s everyday economy.<\/p>\n
As the debate gained momentum, foreigners reportedly began to fear for their safety, and some went to their embassies while considering a return to their countries of origin. Threats against African traders were also reported.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Protesters refuse to make migrants scapegoats<\/span><\/h2>\nDemonstrators expressed clear opposition to all forms of xenophobia. They said that Africans living in Kenya were brothers and should not have to leave the country under pressure from political rhetoric or threats from private individuals.<\/p>\n
In their view, a small trader from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or another neighbouring country cannot be held responsible for unemployment, the condition of roads, a lack of public services or the economic difficulties faced by Kenyan citizens. This argument rejects the idea that excluding foreigners would solve the country’s structural problems.<\/p>\n
Participants also called for no physical attacks against foreigners. They demanded that national rules be enforced without violence, stressing that no one should be attacked because of their nationality or economic activity.<\/p>\n
The mobilization also took on a broader political dimension. Slogans hostile to the president were heard, with demonstrators arguing that the authorities should not encourage a narrative pitting Kenyan citizens against African migrants.<\/p>\n