Burundians seek travel documents to leave Kenya following crackdown order
2 sources across 2 countries · South Africa · United Kingdom
Who reported this
- Business Day
- Reuters
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Hundreds of Burundians gathered at their embassy in Nairobi on Monday to seek travel documents to return home. The rush follows an order from Kenyan President William Ruto to close down all small scale businesses operated by foreign traders starting Monday. Kenya's trade ministry clarified that the order applies to foreigners operating without work permits.
Crowds consisting mostly of young men were seen with suitcases outside the embassy. Some individuals reported receiving threats from neighbors following the president's remarks. According to the UN refugee agency, there are approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya, many of whom work as small scale traders selling items such as used clothes and coffee.
Critics of the president have accused him of scapegoating foreigners for economic difficulties ahead of next year's election. In a separate action last Thursday, President Ruto ordered India's Tata Chemicals to stop operations in Kenya, stating the company's presence had failed to benefit the country. Tata Chemicals stated it remains committed to constructive engagement.
How each side framed it
- Centre
- The reporting focused on the logistical movement of people and the official government orders.
- Centre-right
- The reporting included critical perspectives from activists and detailed the specific economic context of the crackdown.
Sources
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