John Allan Namu has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding Kenya’s treatment of foreign nationals, drawing a sharp comparison between the country’s engagement with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the government’s crackdown on foreign traders.
The investigative journalist questioned what he described as a contradiction in Kenya’s approach, particularly following President William Ruto’s recent directive targeting foreigners involved in small-scale businesses.
Namu’s remarks came after hundreds of Burundians reportedly gathered at the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi seeking travel documents amid fears surrounding the government’s crackdown on foreign traders. Some of those affected said they felt increasingly unwelcome in Kenya following the President’s comments.
In a post addressing the issue, Namu wrote: “The RSF is welcome in Kenya, but not the Burundian street vendor.”
He continued by contrasting Kenya’s treatment of RSF-linked figures with the situation facing ordinary foreign traders.
> “A militia that has killed and discriminated on the basis of one’s ethnicity and race has the diplomatic red carpet rolled out for its leaders. Yet the scapegoat for a struggling economy is the Burundian street vendor.”
His comments place the ongoing controversy within the wider debate over Kenya’s foreign policy and treatment of foreign nationals.
The RSF, a powerful Sudanese paramilitary organisation commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, popularly known as Hemedti, has been accused by international organisations of grave human rights violations during Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
In February 2025, RSF leader Hemedti and allied Sudanese groups held political engagements in Nairobi, where they signed a charter proposing the establishment of a parallel government in areas under their control. The move generated strong criticism from Sudan’s army-backed government.
At the same time, Kenya has maintained that its engagement with Sudanese actors is linked to its broader efforts to promote dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Namu’s criticism comes as the government attempts to reassure foreign nationals following Ruto’s directive on small-scale businesses.
Officials have clarified that the measures target foreigners operating businesses without the necessary documentation and licences, rather than ordering foreigners out of Kenya.
The government has also provided a 90-day window for undocumented East Africans to regularise their status.
However, the scenes at the Burundi Embassy have intensified concerns about whether the crackdown could fuel xenophobia or make legitimate foreign traders feel unsafe.