Renowned Burundian musician Kidum has spoken out against the ongoing controversy surrounding President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreigners operating small-scale businesses in Kenya, urging authorities to handle the situation with restraint and diplomacy.
Kidum, who has lived in Kenya since 1995 and considers the country his home, said he was deeply concerned by images coming from Nairobi amid reports of foreign traders facing uncertainty over the government’s enforcement plans.
In a statement shared while he was on tour in Canada, the musician identified himself as Burundian but emphasised his longstanding connection to Kenya, noting that he is legally married to a Kenyan woman and that they have children who are schooling in the country.
“I am Burundian! I am right now on tour in Canada! Kenya is my home since 1995 and I chose to be Kenyan with all my heart,” Kidum said.
His comments come after Ruto directed government agencies to take action against foreigners engaged in certain small-scale businesses, including hawking and low-capital retail activities. The President has argued that such businesses should primarily provide opportunities for Kenyan citizens, while foreign investors bringing substantial capital and creating employment remain welcome.
The directive has generated concern among foreign traders, particularly Burundians and Rwandans operating businesses in Kenya. Reports of some Burundian nationals seeking assistance from their embassy and considering leaving the country have further intensified the debate.
Kidum questioned why ordinary activities such as selling mandazi and serving tea or coffee should attract such treatment, while appealing to diplomatic representatives to protect their citizens and help those wishing to return home do so peacefully and with dignity.
The musician also offered his 11-seater van to assist Burundians who may need transportation to return home.
Kidum further urged Burundians not to retaliate against Kenyans living or doing business in Burundi, warning against allowing tensions in Kenya to trigger hostility elsewhere.
“Don't touch any Kenyan in Burundi. Don't do wrong just because others are doing bad things to you. Two wrongs are never right,” he said.
He called for Kenyans in Burundi to remain safe and insisted that the dispute should be addressed through diplomatic and political channels.
“This is political, it shall be solved politically,” Kidum said, while also appealing to Tanzania not to target Kenyans over the dispute.
The musician's intervention adds a prominent voice from the entertainment industry to a growing debate over Kenya's treatment of foreign traders, regional relations and the balance between protecting local businesses and maintaining an open investment environment.