Advertisement
Samidoh condemns calls to kick Burundians out of Kenya, urges locals to put humanity first
09th September, 2026 08:00 AM
Mugithi icon Samidoh has challenged Kenyans supporting the removal of Burundian traders from the country, questioning why ordinary foreigners trying to make a living are being targeted while powerful individuals accused of stealing billions continue to evade similar public outrage.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Samidoh urged Kenyans to look beyond nationality and remember the shared humanity that connects people across borders, arguing that being African should come before identifying as Kenyan or Burundian.
The musician said differences in accent or nationality should never be used to determine how much a person’s life or suffering matters, stressing that a foreigner’s tears and pain are no less significant simply because they come from someone who was born outside Kenya.
“Fellow Kenyans, we can do better!. I am here to remind you that we are Africans before we are nationalities. Humanity should always come first. A different accent doesn’t make one less human,” he wrote.
Samidoh further invoked Kenya’s long-standing reputation for hospitality, questioning whether the treatment of Burundians caught up in the current crackdown reflects the values the country has historically projected to its neighbours and the wider world.
His strongest criticism centred on what he viewed as a glaring imbalance in Kenya’s priorities, particularly the focus on small-scale Burundian traders while corruption involving much larger sums of money continues to dominate public debate.
“A different nationality doesn’t make someone’s tears hurt any less. Kenya has always been known for hospitality. Its ironic how,” he added.
Using the example of Burundians selling groundnuts on the streets, Samidoh questioned why such traders should be chased out of the country while individuals he described as major thieves continue to steal billions.
The musician argued that such selective outrage should not be mistaken for patriotism, instead describing it as a misguided response that fails to address the larger problems facing Kenya.
“You chase a burudian selling Njugu karanga BUT leave a chief Thief stealing billions. That is not patriotism; that is stupidity,” he added.
Ruto’s directive
His intervention comes amid mounting anxiety among Burundian nationals in Kenya after President William Ruto directed authorities to shut down small-scale businesses operated by foreign traders.
The directive followed a meeting between Ruto and Kenyan traders who had been protesting against tax reforms and complaining about competition from foreign traders. The Ministry of Trade subsequently clarified that the measures were aimed at foreigners operating without valid work permits and other required documentation.
The initial order was due to take effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, triggering panic among sections of the foreign-trader community, particularly Burundians living and working in Nairobi.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals flocked to their embassy in Nairobi on September 7, 2026, seeking passports, emergency travel documents and other paperwork amid fears that they could be forced to leave Kenya.
Reuters reported that some Burundians said they had received threats from neighbours, while others were preparing to leave despite having lived and worked in Kenya for years.
The situation subsequently forced the Kenyan government to soften the immediate enforcement approach, with authorities announcing a temporary regularisation window for undocumented East African nationals.
On September 7, 2026, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said undocumented East African nationals, particularly Burundians, should present themselves to their respective embassies for formal registration and documentation.
The government said those undergoing the registration process would receive temporary protection as their immigration and documentation status was reviewed, rather than facing immediate removal from the country.
By September 8, 2026, Kenya had extended the regularisation period to 90 days, giving foreign traders additional time to address immigration, work-permit, business-registration and licensing requirements.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
View all posts by Steve Ireri
