NAIROBI, Kenya- Police have arrested four people accused of demanding money and immigration documents from Chinese nationals operating businesses in Nairobi’s Nyamakima area.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the suspects were part of a group of about 30 people who allegedly entered businesses operated by Chinese traders and demanded proof of their immigration and business status.
The group reportedly presented itself as members of the Nyamakima business community.
According to police, the suspects demanded payments of Sh300,000 and Sh200,000 from two traders in exchange for allowing their businesses to continue operating.
“A group of approximately 30 persons identifying themselves as the Nyamakima business community allegedly entered businesses operated by the Chinese community and demanded business and immigration documents,” Mohamud said.
“They demanded Sh300,000 and Sh200,000, respectively, to allow the businesses to continue. We received the report, responded promptly and arrested four suspects.”
Police said the group appeared to have taken advantage of President William Ruto’s recent directive requiring foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya to comply with immigration and licensing requirements.
The suspects allegedly attempted to remove Chinese nationals from their businesses despite lacking any legal authority to enforce immigration regulations.
Mohamud warned that immigration enforcement was solely the responsibility of authorised government agencies and not individuals or business associations.
He asked anyone who suspects that a foreign national is operating illegally to report the matter to the relevant authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands.
“The government’s position is very clear. We must protect opportunities for Kenyan citizens and ensure that everyone conducting business complies with Kenyan laws,” Mohamud said.
“But the policy does not mean that foreigners should be arrested, intimidated, assaulted, extorted or unlawfully expelled by private individuals. That is not the way to do business.”
The police commander said foreign nationals were entitled to protection from violence, intimidation and extortion as the government implements its immigration and business compliance exercise.
The four suspects are expected to face charges following the completion of investigations. Police did not immediately disclose whether they were searching for the other people allegedly involved in the incident.
