Burundian-born, Kenya-based musician Kidum has called for calm amid growing tension surrounding the government’s crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses in Kenya.
The singer questioned the treatment of Burundians and other foreign nationals affected by the enforcement exercise and urged authorities and communities to handle the situation without violence or discrimination.
Kidum also offered his personal 11-seater van to help Burundians who may wish to leave Kenya return home safely and with dignity.
The musician made the appeal as concerns grew among members of the Burundian community following the government’s directive targeting foreigners operating small-scale retail and hawking businesses that authorities say are reserved for Kenyan citizens.
Kidum expressed concern over images and reports emerging from Nairobi as authorities intensified enforcement against foreign traders. The musician questioned whether ordinary informal activities such as selling food and beverages should attract the kind of enforcement witnessed during the crackdown.
“Mandazi na chai ama kahawa jameni ni crime?!” he asked.
Kidum also reminded his followers of his longstanding relationship with Kenya.
The musician was born in Burundi but has built much of his music career in Kenya. He has lived in the country since 1995 and has repeatedly described Kenya as his home. He noted that his connection to the country also extends to his family, saying his wife is Kenyan and their children attend school in Kenya.
“I am Burundian! I am currently on tour in Canada. Kenya has been my home since 1995, and I chose to be Kenyan with all my heart,” Kidum said.
He added that he had a personal stake in the situation because of his family ties to Kenya.
As some Burundians considered returning home amid the uncertainty, Kidum offered to help with transportation.
He called on the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi to step in and assist citizens affected by the crackdown.
“Our embassy! Could you at least stand up for our people and ensure that they have a peaceful way to return home with dignity?” Kidum said.
“I have an 11-seater van, and I am ready to make it available to anyone who needs it to take people home,” he said.
The offer came as some members of the Burundian community reportedly sought assistance and travel documents amid fears over their businesses and livelihoods.
While expressing concern about the treatment of Burundians in Kenya, Kidum also urged his fellow Burundians not to retaliate against Kenyans living in Burundi. He warned that any retaliation would only deepen tensions between citizens of the two neighbouring countries.
“Burundians in Burundi, do not touch any Kenyan in Burundi,” he said.
Kidum stressed the need for restraint, adding that “two wrongs are never right.”
He urged Burundians to protect Kenyans living in Burundi even as they seek solutions to the situation affecting their compatriots in Kenya.
“This is political, and it shall be solved politically,” he said.
The government has maintained that its enforcement measures target foreign nationals operating businesses without the required permits and licences rather than foreigners based on their nationality.
The crackdown followed President William Ruto’s directive to strengthen enforcement against foreigners engaging in small-scale businesses reserved for Kenyan citizens.
The directive triggered concern among foreign traders, particularly members of the Burundian and Rwandan communities, with reports of some businesses closing amid uncertainty.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei later visited the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi amid the growing concerns.
Sing’oei apologised for harassment experienced by some Burundians following confusion surrounding the government directive and assured foreign nationals that the government would protect them while addressing documentation and immigration issues.
The government has also moved to regularise the status of undocumented East African nationals in Kenya.
