President
William Ruto directed a crackdown on unlicensed foreign petty traders,
prompting Burundians to rush for travel documents while the government offered
a 90-day grace period to fix immigration, work permits, and licenses.
Officials condemned harassment, with the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary visiting the Burundi Embassy to apologize for misunderstandings and assure support.
Online
reactions split between demands to prioritize Kenyan jobs and shows of
solidarity like 'WE ARE ALL BURUNDIANS,' as critics called it a distraction
from unemployment and high costs, and a 'Say No to Xenophobia' mural appeared
in response.