Burundian musician Jean-Pierre Kidum has offered his personal 11-seater van to help Burundians living in Kenya who may wish to return home amid growing concerns over a government crackdown targeting foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses.
Kidum, who has lived in Kenya since 1995, spoke out on Monday, September 7, expressing concern over reports and images of foreign nationals, particularly Burundians and Rwandans, facing anxiety and uncertainty amid increased enforcement targeting foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses.
The Burundian-born, Kenya-based singer said his long association with Kenya had given him a deep personal connection to the country, describing it as his home and saying he had embraced a Kenyan identity at heart.
“I am Burundian! I am currently on tour in Canada. Kenya has been my home since 1995 and I chose to be Kenyan with all my heart. My wife is Kenyan, we are legally married and we have children who are in school in Kenya,” he said.
Against the backdrop of the reported crackdown, Kidum appealed to the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi to intervene and ensure that nationals who feel unsafe can return home peacefully and with dignity.
“Our embassy, could you at least stand up for our people and ensure that they have a peaceful way to return home with dignity? I have an 11-seater van, and I am ready to make it available to anyone who needs it to take people home,” he said.
Kidum also questioned the circumstances surrounding the enforcement measures, particularly their impact on people earning a living through small-scale businesses.
“What have Burundians and Rwandans done to be treated this way? Is selling mandazi and tea or coffee a crime?” he questioned.
His remarks come as concerns over the treatment of foreign traders continue to generate public debate, with political leaders also weighing in on the issue.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday condemned the government over the declaration of a crackdown targeting foreigners operating small-scale businesses in Kenya.
Kalonzo said the situation had left some Burundians scrambling for safety at their embassy in Nairobi, warning that the development could strain Kenya’s diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries.
“A lack of diplomacy risks deepening divisions between communities, regions, and nations and destabilising economic activity at a time when Kenya can least afford it,” Kalonzo said.
The developments came after President William Ruto directed authorities to close small-scale businesses operated by foreign traders, with the directive taking effect on Monday.
The government later announced a temporary registration and regularisation period for undocumented East African nationals, while saying it would not tolerate harassment, intimidation or xenophobia.