Police in Nairobi have arrested at least six people accused of harassing or making inflammatory remarks against foreign nationals, as the government steps up enforcement of immigration and business regulations. The arrests come amid heightened tensions surrounding foreigners operating small-scale businesses, with authorities warning Kenyans against taking the law into their own hands.
Highlights
- At least six suspects have been arrested in separate incidents in Nairobi.
- Four suspects are accused of allegedly demanding documents and bribes from Chinese traders.
- Other suspects face investigations over alleged hate speech targeting Burundian and Tanzanian nationals.
- The government has extended the regularisation period for Burundian nationals to 90 days.
- Police say freedom of expression does not protect hate speech or calls for violence.
Main Story
Police Crack Down on Harassment
Nairobi police have launched a wider crackdown on individuals accused of targeting foreigners following increased attention on immigration enforcement in the city.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said four people had been arrested over alleged harassment of Chinese traders in the Nyamakima area.
The suspects are accused of confronting traders, demanding immigration documents and allegedly seeking bribes.
Police say the arrests are part of efforts to prevent members of the public from abusing government directives on foreigners operating businesses in Kenya.
Authorities have repeatedly maintained that immigration and business rules should be enforced by the relevant agencies rather than by individuals or groups taking matters into their own hands.
Suspects Accused of Inciting Hatred
Police are also investigating separate incidents involving alleged inflammatory remarks directed at Burundian nationals and Maasai people from Tanzania who live and work in Kenya.
One 32-year-old man was arrested by officers from Kilimani Police Station after remarks he allegedly made in Hurlingham were recorded and shared widely online.
Detectives are examining the video as they investigate whether the statements amounted to hate speech or ethnic incitement.
In another case, DCI detectives from Buruburu arrested a 32-year-old man over remarks allegedly made at a Bunge la Mwananchi gathering at Jacaranda Grounds in Kayole.
The statements were later circulated on social media, prompting detectives to open investigations.
Police say the remarks allegedly targeted Burundian nationals working and conducting legitimate economic activities in Kenya.
The suspect is expected to face charges under Section 13(1)(a), read together with Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, subject to the outcome of investigations.
Government Extends Burundian Regularisation Period
The arrests come as the government attempts to balance immigration enforcement with concerns over the welfare and safety of foreign nationals.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei announced that Burundian nationals would now have 90 days to regularise their stay and businesses in Kenya.
Sing’oei made the announcement during a coordination meeting attended by Burundi’s Ambassador to Kenya Evelyne Habonimana, UNHCR Kenya Representative Fatima Mohammed-Cole and IOM Kenya Representative Nomagugu Ncube.
The meeting focused on ensuring that the enforcement process addresses humanitarian concerns while remaining orderly and respectful.
Sing’oei said Kenya and Burundi were working with international agencies to ensure that affected nationals are treated with dignity throughout the process.
He also stressed that any return of Burundian nationals would have to be voluntary, informed and properly documented.
Joint Team to Address Emerging Concerns
The government is also putting together a Joint Task Team to coordinate the implementation of measures agreed upon by Kenyan and Burundian authorities alongside UN agencies.
The team is expected to address emerging challenges and help ensure that enforcement measures do not expose foreign nationals to abuse.
Sing’oei assured foreign nationals living in Kenya that their safety would be protected and warned that harassment would not be tolerated.
The government has maintained that the wider enforcement exercise is intended to protect opportunities for Kenyan traders while ensuring that foreign nationals comply with immigration and business requirements.
DCI Warns Against Online Incitement
DCI Director Mohamed Amin has warned Kenyans against using social media or public platforms to promote hostility against particular ethnic or national groups.
He said Kenya’s diversity means that citizens and foreign nationals share communities, workplaces and businesses, making peaceful coexistence essential.
The DCI further cautioned that constitutional protection of freedom of expression does not extend to hate speech, ethnic incitement or advocacy of violence.
Police will continue monitoring both physical and online spaces for conduct that could threaten public order and national cohesion.
Members of the public with information on hate speech, ethnic incitement or other criminal activity can report anonymously through the DCI’s #FichuaKwaDCI channels.
The developments highlight the delicate balance authorities are trying to maintain: protecting opportunities for Kenyan businesses while ensuring immigration enforcement does not become a licence for harassment, intimidation or discrimination.
Enforcing the law and protecting local opportunities can go hand in hand but neither should come at the cost of dignity, safety or peaceful coexistence.
