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Kidum offers his 11-seater van to Burundians seeking to return home
08th September, 2026 02:16 PM
Burundian musician Jean Pierre Nimbona, popularly known as Kidum, has offered his 11-seater van to Burundians seeking to return home amid heightened tensions surrounding foreign traders in Kenya.
Kidum, who is currently on tour in Canada, said he was ready to make his van available to Burundians who may want to travel back home.
“I have an 11-seater van; I am ready to put it in anyone’s disposal to take people home,” Kidum said.
The musician made the offer as he expressed concern over the situation facing Burundians and other foreign nationals in Kenya, saying he had been receiving disturbing images from Nairobi.
“Pictures I am getting from Nairobi are not good at all. What have Burundians and Rwandans done to be treated this way?” he questioned.
Kidum appeared to question whether ordinary activities by foreign traders should attract such treatment.
“Mandazi na chai ama kahawa jameni ni crime!?” he asked.
Kidum speaks on Kenya connection
The musician also highlighted his longstanding connection to Kenya, saying the country has been his home since 1995.
“I am Burundian! I am right now on tour in Canada! Kenya is my home since 1995, and I chose to be Kenyan with all my heart,” he said.
Kidum noted that his connection to Kenya extends to his family, revealing that his wife is Kenyan and that they have children who are in school in the country.
“My wife is Kenyan, and we are legally married and have children, and they are in school in Kenya,” he said.
He also appealed to the Burundian Embassy to intervene and ensure Burundians who wish to leave Kenya can do so peacefully.
“Our embassy! Could you at least stand for our people? At least they get a peaceful way to go home with dignity!” he appealed.
Kidum makes emotional appeal
Kidum then made an emotional appeal to God, reflecting on his efforts to help people despite earning what he described as a small salary.
“Oh God, if truly I am your servant and have been helping people on a little salary and accept any mockery from people, today I need you to do me a favour!” he said.
The musician prayed for Burundi to regain its former glory, saying he was willing to speak out despite the possible consequences.
“Give Burundi back its lost glory, and I am not scared to say it. I know this can cost my life but so be it,” he said.
Kidum on Kenyans in Burundi
Kidum also urged Burundians in Burundi not to retaliate against Kenyans over the situation in Kenya.
“Burundians in Burundi! Don’t touch any Kenyan in Burundi. Don’t do wrong just because others are doing bad things to you. Two wrongs are never right!” he said.
He further urged Burundians to keep Kenyans safe, maintaining that the situation should not result in retaliation.
“Keep Kenyans safe in Burundi,” Kidum said.
The musician argued that the issue was political and should therefore be addressed through diplomatic channels.
“This is political. It shall be solved politically,” he said.
He also called on Tanzania to avoid targeting Kenyans, urging the country to allow the matter to be resolved through diplomacy.
“Even Tanzania isiguse Wakenya, wacha hii mambo itatuliwe tu ki diplomasia!” he said.
