President William Ruto ordered a shutdown of small-scale foreign-run businesses without permits, sparking anxiety among Burundians who lined up at their Nairobi embassy and sought church shelter after reported threats in places like Mombasa.
Officials responded with a 90-day grace period to regularize status and warned against vigilantism, while Burundi's foreign minister urged protection for its nationals. Kenyans widely rejected hate, with observers praising the solidarity as 'beautiful stuff' and a model against division in Africa, fueling talks on regional unity and fair economic rules.