Confusion and Fear Grip Nairobi as Kenya Intensifies Immigration Crackdown

Nairobi (WDN) — Confusion and anxiety spread across Nairobi as Kenyan security and immigration authorities intensified a crackdown on foreign nationals believed to be living in the country without valid immigration status, following a recent directive from President William Ruto calling for the removal of undocumented foreigners.

The enforcement operation was particularly visible on the streets of Nairobi, where foreign nationals reportedly became increasingly cautious about leaving their homes amid uncertainty over who was being targeted and what legal status was required to avoid arrest or deportation.

A significant number of those seen attempting to leave Kenya were reportedly nationals of Burundi, with some beginning overland journeys back to their country while others sought assistance from their respective embassies to facilitate their departure.

The operation also caused concern within Nairobi’s Somali community, particularly in Eastleigh, where some Somalis without valid immigration documents reportedly remained inside their homes, fearing that the crackdown could affect them.