The Kenyan government has warned against harassment, hate speech and ethnic incitement targeting foreign nationals, following the arrest of at least six people in Nairobi.
Police say some of those arrested are accused of making remarks intended to fuel ethnic hatred, hostility and violence against Burundian nationals and Maasai people from Tanzania living and working in Kenya.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said four suspects were also arrested for allegedly harassing Chinese traders in Nyamakima by demanding immigration documents and bribes.
The arrests come amid heightened enforcement against foreign nationals engaged in small-scale businesses without the required immigration and business documents.
At the same time, the government has extended to 90 days the period given to Burundian nationals to regularise their stay and businesses in Kenya.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the extension is intended to ensure the process is handled in an orderly and dignified manner while addressing humanitarian concerns.
“In the true spirit of East African cooperation, we are working hand-in-hand as one team to ensure order, dignity, and safety for all our brothers and sisters,” Sing’oei said.
Sing’oei also assured foreign nationals that the government would protect them during the enforcement exercise and warned that harassment would not be tolerated.
“We strongly guarantee the safety of all foreign nationals; no harassment will be tolerated,” he said.
The government says any return of Burundian nationals to their country will be voluntary, informed and transparently documented.
A Joint Task Team is also being formed to address emerging concerns and coordinate the implementation of measures agreed upon by Kenya, Burundi and UN agencies.
Meanwhile, police have arrested two 32-year-old men in separate incidents over alleged hate speech targeting Burundian nationals.
One suspect was arrested by Kilimani police over remarks allegedly made in Hurlingham and later circulated on social media, while another was arrested by DCI detectives from Buruburu over remarks made at Jacaranda Grounds in Kayole during a Bunge la Mwananchi event.
The DCI says the second suspect is expected to face charges under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, alongside any other offences established through investigations.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said freedom of expression does not protect hate speech, ethnic incitement or calls for violence.
“Kenya is a diverse nation that is home to people from different ethnic communities and nationalities. The targeting of individuals or communities on the basis of their nationality or ethnicity, particularly where such conduct is intended to promote hatred, hostility or violence, will not be tolerated,” Amin said.
He urged Kenyans not to take the law into their own hands, saying police will continue monitoring public and online spaces for content that threatens national cohesion and public safety.
Members of the public have been urged to report cases of hate speech, ethnic incitement or other criminal activity through the DCI toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
