South Africa xenophobia: 422 Kenyans safely return home amid widespread violence
By David Nthua, July 9, 2026422 Kenyans have so far returned home safely from South Africa amid ongoing xenophobic attacks.
The government has so far evacuated hundreds of citizens caught up in the violence, with dozens more expected to arrive in the country.
The evacuation exercise, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, began on June 30 after anti-migrant protests intensified across parts of South Africa.
On Wednesday night, another group of 80 Kenyans landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), bringing the total number of evacuees to 422.
The latest group is the largest to arrive in a single flight since the repatriation programme started.
The ministry said it continues to monitor the security situation in South Africa and will determine when to end the evacuation exercise. Another 50 Kenyans were expected to arrive on Thursday night.
Returnees recount ordeal
Many of the returnees arrived with only a few personal belongings after abandoning homes, businesses and jobs they had built over several years.
One Kenyan woman, who had lived in South Africa for 13 years, said she lost everything after attackers raided her home.
“They beat us badly. They took everything from my house. We were even in hiding. They would come to your house, take everything and say it belongs to South Africa,” she said.
She explained that she had worked as a house manager, sold insurance and operated a business to support her husband and eight children in Kenya.
Another returnee said the protests initially targeted undocumented migrants before expanding to include foreigners regardless of their immigration status.
“They first said those without documents should leave, but later they said whether you had documents or not, you had to leave,” the returnee said.
A woman identified as Beryl described the evacuation as a rescue from an increasingly dangerous environment.
“They saved me from hell. I came back with absolutely nothing. Now I have to rebuild my life from scratch,” she said.
Anger over attacks
Some of the evacuees accused South African politicians of fuelling anti-immigrant sentiment ahead of the country’s November elections.
Others criticised the African Union for what they described as silence as African migrants continue to face violence, intimidation and displacement.
“I have not heard the African Union speak about what is happening in South Africa,” Beryl said.
Regional concern grows
The violence has affected migrants from several African countries, forcing thousands to flee South Africa in recent weeks.
The unrest has also triggered diplomatic concerns across the continent. Ghana has postponed a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa after repatriating hundreds of its citizens amid the attacks.
Kenya’s evacuation programme remains ongoing as authorities monitor developments and work to bring home citizens who wish to leave South Africa.