RUTO PUT ON THE SPOT AS CIVIL SOCIETY DEMANDS END TO ALLEGED ANTI-BURUNDIAN SENTIMENT
By News Brief
Civil society groups have called on President William Ruto’s administration to address what they describe as growing anti-Burundian sentiment and alleged xenophobic treatment of Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.
The groups are urging the government to safeguard the rights and dignity of Burundians in Kenya, insisting that foreign nationals should not face discrimination, harassment or hostility based on their nationality.
The concerns have placed the Ruto administration under renewed pressure to demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to regional solidarity and the protection of all people residing within its borders.
Civil society representatives say Kenya’s longstanding ties with Burundi and its broader role in East Africa make it important for the country to promote peaceful coexistence and reject xenophobia.
They are now calling for authorities to investigate any reported cases of discrimination and take appropriate action where violations are established.
The groups further urged Kenyans to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and instead embrace tolerance, noting that East Africans share deep social, economic and cultural ties that should not be undermined by xenophobia.
