ODM youth leader Kasmuel McOure has dismissed claims that President William Ruto ordered Burundian nationals to leave Kenya, saying the controversy followed a distortion of the President’s directive on foreign traders.
McOure argued that Ruto’s September 2 meeting with small-scale traders at State House did not target Burundians or East African nationals, but addressed concerns over foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya without complying with local regulations.
According to McOure, a trader identified as Ms Njeri raised concerns about foreigners participating in small-scale retail and specifically mentioned Chinese traders. He said neither the trader nor President Ruto referred to Burundians during the discussion.
He maintained that the President’s directive was for foreign nationals conducting business in Kenya to ensure they were properly registered, licensed and compliant with the law.
The ODM youth leader said the government subsequently established a task force bringing together the Trade Cabinet Secretary, the Kenya Revenue Authority and representatives of traders and micro, small and medium enterprises to examine the issue and report back every 90 days.
“What followed was a direction that foreign nationals doing business in Kenya should be properly registered, licensed and compliant with Kenyan law,” McOure said.
His remarks come amid reports of Burundian nationals seeking travel documents after fears emerged over the government’s crackdown on foreign traders.
Reports of long queues at the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi have fuelled concerns among some Burundians, with some reportedly preparing to return home amid uncertainty over their status and ability to continue operating businesses in Kenya.
The Kenyan government has since announced a 90-day window for affected East African nationals to regularise their immigration status and comply with work, business registration and licensing requirements.
McOure said the response to the situation should be guided by both Kenyan law and the country’s constitutional obligations to protect the rights and dignity of every person.
He cited Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, alongside provisions protecting human dignity, personal security and fair administrative action.
At the same time, he noted that foreign nationals must comply with Kenya’s immigration, labour, licensing and business-registration requirements.
McOure also pointed to Kenya’s obligations under the East African Community Common Market, which provides for the free movement of persons, workers, residence and establishment among citizens of Partner States.
He argued that regional integration does not prevent Kenya from enforcing its laws, saying the two principles could operate alongside each other.
McOure described Burundians living in Kenya as “good neighbours” who trade, worship, work and raise families alongside Kenyans.
He called for foreigners whose documentation is incomplete to be given an opportunity to regularise their status instead of being subjected to harassment.
McOure challenged those claiming Ruto had ordered Burundians out of Kenya to produce the specific presidential directive containing such an order.
“Kenya remains open. The Jumuiya remains our family,” he said, adding that Kenya could protect local livelihoods, enforce its laws and strengthen regional integration without abandoning humane treatment of foreign nationals.