Head of the Kenya Delegation to the Pan-African Parliament and Tana River Senator, Danson Mungatana, has condemned the anti-Burundi sentiments and actions targeting Burundian nationals living and doing business in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Mungatana expressed concern over reports of harassment and intimidation of Burundian nationals, particularly in Nakuru, warning that Kenya must not become a country where Africans are targeted because of their nationality.
“Kenya must not become a country where fellow Africans are harassed, intimidated or targeted because of their nationality,” Mungatana said.
The senator said the reported incidents should be viewed against the broader Pan-African agenda, noting that Kenya is a committed participant in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and was among the first countries to ratify the agreement.
He said Kenya’s participation in the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative demonstrated the country’s commitment to expanding trade, investment and economic opportunities across the continent.
Mungatana argued that it would be contradictory for African countries to encourage intra-African trade while creating an environment hostile to African traders operating outside their countries of origin.
“Intra-African trade must grow, not shrink,” he said, calling for increased trade, investment and cooperation among African countries.
He cited Kenya’s participation in the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative in 2022, when the country exported its first consignment under the framework to Ghana, followed by the introduction of Kenyan value-added tea brands into the Ghanaian market.
Calls for lawful enforcement
Mungatana said concerns over foreign nationals operating businesses without the necessary permits or licences should be handled through the law rather than mob action or intimidation.
He pointed to Articles 27, 28, 29 and 40 of the Constitution, which provide for equality before the law, protection of human dignity, protection from violence and certain property rights.
He stressed that where a foreign national is found to be operating without the required immigration documents, business licences or other approvals, enforcement agencies should take appropriate legal action.
“Where there is a breach of immigration law, the remedy is the law. Where there is a breach of business licensing requirements, the remedy is the law,” he said.
“There can be no justification for mob action, threats, harassment, discrimination or vigilantism.”
Mungatana calls for security agencies to investigate
The senator called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and national security agencies to investigate the reported incidents and establish whether individuals had organised, incited, threatened or harassed Burundian nationals.
He urged the National Intelligence Service and National Police Service to assist in identifying alleged organisers and instigators and called for suspects found to have engaged in criminal conduct to face the appropriate legal processes.
“Kenya cannot allow organised xenophobia, ethnic hostility or incitement against fellow Africans to take root,” Mungatana said.
He further called for immigration and business regulations to be enforced professionally, fairly and without discrimination.
‘Burundi is not our enemy’
Mungatana appealed to Kenyans to avoid turning economic frustrations and competition for business into hostility against foreign nationals.
“Burundi is not our enemy. Burundians are our brothers and sisters,” he said, noting that Kenya and Burundi are both members of the East African Community.
He urged Kenyans with concerns over unfair competition from foreign traders to channel them through policy, licensing, taxation, immigration and labour enforcement mechanisms.
“Let the law decide, not the mob,” he said.
The senator also urged Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya to comply with Kenyan laws and regulations while assuring them that their nationality should not be used as a basis for violating their dignity, threatening them or destroying their lawful livelihoods.
He called on political leaders, the media, religious leaders, business organisations and civil society to reject xenophobia and incitement and promote peaceful coexistence.
“Africa must not turn against Africa,” he said, adding that Kenya should lead by example by promoting trade, investment, human dignity and respect for the rule of law.
