‘We left our jobs behind ‘ – Kenyans recount South Africa ordeal after returning home
By William Muthama, July 2, 2026Several Kenyans repatriated from South Africa have recounted the hardships they endured amid rising anti-migrant tensions, describing how many were forced to abandon their jobs, businesses and livelihoods before returning home.
Speaking after arriving in Kenya on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the returnees thanked the government for facilitating their evacuation but said the situation in parts of South Africa had become increasingly hostile for foreign nationals.
Jobs lost, businesses destroyed
Baileon Wambogo, one of the returnees, said the xenophobic tensions had left many foreigners living in fear, with some losing their jobs and others seeing their businesses destroyed.
“When we were leaving, some people had lost their jobs. Some were being told, ‘Go home, go back to your country.’ Some businesses were destroyed, and there were even one or two deaths,” he said.
Wambogo revealed that he was among those affected, saying he had to leave his job behind to return home safely.
“I’ve been affected because I’ve had to leave my job,” he said.
He nevertheless praised the Kenyan government and the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria for coordinating the evacuation.
“I thank God that He has brought us back home safely. I also want to thank our government. Since all this started, they’ve helped us get back home safely,” he said.
According to Wambogo, the High Commission issued travel documents that enabled Kenyans from different provinces to reach the embassy safely before they were flown home. He added that the embassy also provided accommodation, meals and other support during the evacuation.
“The repatriation process has been a success because of the High Commission office in Pretoria. We were given VIP treatment, good accommodation, good food and were served very well as we organised everything,” he said.
Another returnee, Anthony Gathura, said he travelled to South Africa last year hoping for a better life but instead found himself in difficult working conditions.
“I came to South Africa last year thinking life would be good, but in the end I felt like a slave,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Gathura thanked the Kenyan government and embassy officials for helping bring him back home safely.
Ali Jelle Sambul, who had lived in South Africa for more than two years with his family, also expressed gratitude after arriving in Kenya.
“We’ve been through a lot. I thank God and I thank the Kenyan government for helping us return home,” he said.
The testimonies come as the Kenyan government continues evacuating citizens from South Africa after anti-migrant protests turned violent in parts of the country.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said 86 Kenyans have so far been repatriated, with more than 200 citizens requesting evacuation.
The government said it will continue facilitating alternative travel arrangements until all Kenyans who wish to return are safely home.