Hundreds of Burundians queued outside their embassy in Nairobi on Monday seeking travel documents to return home, following President William Ruto's order for a crackdown on small-scale foreign traders in Kenya. According to Khusoko, most of those in line were young men, some carrying suitcases or a single bag of belongings. The development signals rising pressure on foreign traders operating in the country and prompted many Burundian nationals to prepare for departure.

Burundian nationals living in Kenya are reportedly rushing to leave the country ahead of an anticipated government crackdown on foreign traders, according to the Sowetan. The reported exodus follows a call by Kenya's president for authorities to shut down all small-scale businesses operated by foreigners who lack valid permits. The directive targets unpermitted foreign-owned enterprises, and its announcement has heightened anxiety among immigrant trading communities, prompting many Burundians to prepare for departure before enforcement begins.

The Kenyan government has denied a report by French newspaper Le Monde alleging that President William Ruto ordered foreign nationals to close small businesses across the country. Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei said the President's remarks were taken out of context, explaining they were made during discussions on the Local Content Bill, 2025, currently under parliamentary review. In a post on X, Sing'Oei assured that foreign traders and workers complying with Kenyan laws may continue operating.

According to Tuko, hundreds of Burundians and other foreign nationals gathered at Nairobi’s Country Bus Station and left for Uganda as Kenyan authorities intensified a crackdown linked to President William Ruto on illegal immigrants and unpermitted businesses. The report describes crowded departures and heightened fear among affected communities, but provides no casualty figures or official government statement confirming the scale of enforcement.

Kenya’s government has apologised to Burundian nationals over harassment linked to confusion surrounding a crackdown on unlicensed foreign traders, according to Capital FM. The statement, reported from Nairobi on September 7, said authorities would tighten security for immigrants as enforcement continues. The report frames the apology as an effort to reassure Burundians while maintaining measures against unlicensed trading.

Captain William K. Ruto, the Managing Director of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), has reportedly gone underground following allegations of irregular land lease allocations at the Kipevu enclave. A politically connected private entity has been granted land for a Container Freight Station without competitive bidding or public participation. The company has also secured a tender for a significant portion of South Sudan transit cargo, while construction has stalled and Ruto has not responded to inquiries.