Lynn Ngugi challenges narrative behind crackdown on Burundians
By Paulette Mboga, September 8, 2026Lynn Ngugi has challenged the narrative behind the crackdown on Burundian migrants, questioning the reasons behind the decision and how the issue is being presented.
She said Kenya appears to have decided to follow the South African way, while questioning why the issue of illegal migrants is being raised now.
“I have a lot…I will start with what is happening to our sisters and brothers from Burundi. We have a crackdown, and we have decided we go the South African way,” Lynn Ngugi said on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
She explained that she was concerned about the way the situation involving people from Burundi was being handled.
Lynn questioned the idea that the presence of illegal people in the country was suddenly being treated as a new issue. She said those responsible for dealing with illegal migration already knew about how people enter and leave the country and how they obtain documents.
“All of a sudden someone has woken up and decided we have illegal people in this country as if they do not know this,” Lynn Ngugi said.
She continued to question whether the authorities were unaware of how the situation had been taking place.
Lynn questions the crackdown narrative
Lynn said the issue also involved the way illegal documents were obtained, questioning why the matter was being presented as though it had only recently become known. She said people should pay attention to the information being presented to them.
“As if they don’t know how they come in and get out. As if they don’t know how they get these illegal documents,” Lynn Ngugi said.
She explained that she wanted people to question the narrative surrounding the crackdown rather than accept it without thought.
She also questioned the argument being presented around the money made by people from Burundi. Lynn said there was a narrative that people should believe the crackdown was meant to protect Kenyans and their interests.
“And the narrative they want you to buy is that they care for you so much that they want this 300 profit that the people from Burundi are making,” Lynn Ngugi said.
She said the issue should not simply be accepted without questioning the reasons behind the crackdown. Lynn urged people to pay attention to what was happening and consider the information being presented to them.
“That is your right, that belongs to you. Open your eyes,” Lynn Ngugi said.