NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan musician Bien-Aimé Baraza, popularly known as Bien, has spoken out on the situation facing Burundian nationals in Kenya, calling for African unity amid growing uncertainty over a government crackdown on undocumented foreign traders.
The former Sauti Sol member addressed the issue on Monday, September 7, 2026, warning that hostility towards one African community could eventually affect another.
“Today it’s a Burundian in Kenya; tomorrow it’s a Kenyan somewhere else. An attack on one community is a threat to the dignity of us all. Let Africa be home for Africans,” Bien said.
His remarks came as hundreds of Burundian nationals gathered at their embassy in Nairobi seeking travel documents amid fears surrounding the government’s enforcement measures against foreign-owned small businesses.
Bien’s intervention centred on the idea that Africans living and working outside their home countries should not be treated as outsiders when they face difficulties.
The singer warned that the situation affecting Burundians in Kenya could have consequences beyond the country’s borders
His comments also echoed wider calls for African countries to promote coexistence and protect the dignity of migrants while enforcing their laws.
Bien’s remarks followed similar sentiments from fellow Kenyan musician Octopizzo, who called for Burundians living and working in Kenya to be allowed to do so peacefully, while stressing that anyone accused of committing a crime should face the law regardless of nationality.
The musicians’ comments came as anxiety grew among Burundian nationals in Kenya following President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreigners operating small-scale businesses.
Ruto had ordered authorities to shut down small-scale businesses operated by foreign traders. Kenya’s Trade Ministry subsequently clarified that the directive applied to foreigners operating without the required work permits.
The announcement nevertheless sparked considerable uncertainty among Burundian traders.
On September 7, hundreds of Burundians gathered outside their embassy in Nairobi seeking passports and emergency travel documents. Some arrived carrying luggage as they considered returning to Burundi amid fears that they could be forced to leave Kenya.
The situation was particularly significant given the number of Burundians living in Kenya. According to the UN refugee agency, approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers are in Kenya, with many involved in small-scale businesses.
The Kenyan government later moved to reassure undocumented East African nationals that the enforcement exercise was not intended to subject them to arbitrary harassment or xenophobia.
Authorities announced a temporary registration and regularisation window for undocumented East African Community nationals.
The government said those undergoing registration would be presumed legally present in Kenya during the designated period, allowing them to access essential services and legal protections while their documentation was regularised.
The government also stressed that it had zero tolerance for harassment, intimidation and xenophobia.
The clarification came after images of Burundian nationals queueing outside their embassy circulated widely online, raising concerns over whether the crackdown could trigger forced departures or discrimination against foreign nationals.
