Burundian tea vendor harassment in Nairobi: What Kenya and Burundi govts have said
By Emmanuel Rono, July 23, 2026The Kenyan and Burundian governments have moved to calm tensions after a viral video showing a Kenyan man verbally harassing a Burundian tea and mandazi vendor in Nairobi sparked widespread condemnation online and raised concerns over xenophobia.
The video captured the man accusing the Burundian trader of taking jobs and business opportunities from Kenyans while questioning his right to operate in the country.
The confrontation ignited debate on social media, with many Kenyans condemning the incident and calling for the protection of foreign nationals living and working in the country.
In response, Burundi’s Ambassador to Kenya, Fred Ngoga, said the actions of the individual did not reflect the views of the majority of Kenyans.
“The majority of Kenyans are decent and good people who welcome their brothers and sisters from Burundi. We also intermarry. A majority have rejected this hate,” Ngoga told a local station while thanking Kenyans and leaders who publicly condemned the incident.
Ensuring safety and dignity of Burundians
Ngoga also appealed to Kenyan authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of Burundian nationals residing in the country as members of the East African Community (EAC).
On its part, the Kenyan government sought to reassure Burundians and other EAC citizens that they remain safe in Kenya.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said the government remains committed to protecting all citizens from partner states within the regional bloc.
“To assure that our brothers and sisters from Burundi, as part of the citizens of Jumuiya, are safe in Kenya,” Sing’Oei said in a statement posted on X.
The incident has renewed discussions on regional integration under the East African Community, whose member states allow the movement of people for trade, employment, education and investment.
Thousands of Burundians live and work in Kenya, operating businesses and seeking employment across various sectors, making the protection of their rights an important aspect of the EAC’s integration agenda.
The identity of the man who confronted the vendor has not been officially disclosed, and authorities had not announced any arrests by the time of publication.