- Burundi's government publicly criticised Kenya's position on foreign traders following President Ruto's declaration targeting non-citizen businesses
- Government spokesperson Bizimana warned that Burundi would not hesitate to act if its citizens faced mistreatment in Kenya
- The diplomatic row adds pressure on Nairobi as East African neighbours watch Kenya's next move on foreign traders closely
Burundi's government has taken direct aim at Kenya over President William Ruto's recent stance on foreign traders, warning that it will act swiftly should its citizens be harmed or mistreated in the country.
The Burundian government's criticism, reported by BBC Swahili came in response to declarations by President Ruto concerning the role of foreign nationals in Kenya's retail and trading sector. Ruto had in recent weeks signalled a crackdown on non-citizen traders operating in spaces reserved for Kenyan businesses, a position that drew sharp reactions from several regional governments.
Burundi's Warning to Nairobi
Burundian government spokesperson Bizimana did not mince his words in responding to Kenya's declared position. "Burundi will not hesitate to take action if its citizens are mistreated," Bizimana said in a statement that signalled Bujumbura's readiness to escalate the matter if Burundian nationals trading in Kenya were targeted or victimised as a result of the policy direction.
The statement from the Burundian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reflected growing unease among East African nations over how Kenya's government plans to enforce its position, and whether such enforcement could expose foreign traders to harassment or economic loss.
Ruto's Stance on Foreign Traders
President Ruto's comments on foreign traders had sparked considerable debate both domestically and across the region. His administration indicated that certain categories of business, particularly small-scale retail, should be the preserve of Kenyan citizens, a stance framed around the protection of local livelihoods and the "hustler" economy.
Critics, however, argued that such a position risked violating the spirit of the East African Community's free movement and trade protocols, which are designed to allow citizens of member states to conduct business across borders without discrimination.
Burundi's public rebuke marked one of the more assertive diplomatic responses to Kenya's position, raising questions about how the regional bloc would navigate the tension between national economic protection and the principles of cross-border integration that underpin the EAC framework.